Every word Daniel Farke said on Joe Rodon injury, January transfer plans and Liverpool challenge
The Leeds United manager will hold his pre-Liverpool press conference today ahead of Thursday's Premier League trip to Anfield.
Leeds United kick off 2026 with a trip to Liverpool on Thursday and ahead of that New Year’s Day clash, Daniel Farke will hold his pre-game press conference this afternoon.
The Whites saw out 2025 in promising fashion, taking nine points from a five-game unbeaten run and coming from behind three times. Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland was the third such occasion, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finishing off a brilliant back-to-front move for his seventh goal in six games.
That comeback was even more encouraging, given Leeds were forced into an early change of personnel and formation at the Stadium of Light. Joe Rodon tried to battle on after twice rolling his ankle under a Sunderland challenge and played Adingra onside before eventually being replaced by Ao Tanaka.
Farke said in the aftermath of Saturday’s draw the injury didn’t look good and Rodon was expected to miss the first few games of 2026. Further assessment will have taken place in the days since, with swelling reduced, and the Leeds boss will be expected to provide a bit more clarity in the situation today.
There will also likely be an update on Sean Longstaff, who hasn’t featured since last month’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa due to a calf injury, and Daniel James who has a hamstring tendon issue. Longstaff is now five weeks into his initial four-to-six-week recovery period but will need to be involved with first-team training before being in contention on a matchday, as is Farke’s way.
Daniel Farke on Leeds United’s January transfer plans
By the time Leeds and Liverpool kick off on Thursday, the January transfer window will officially be open and Farke will be expecting questions on the matter in every press conference between now and February. The YEP reported this month on the likelihood of mid-season arrivals and the exploration of the loan market.
Injury and transfer news might actually combine to see if Rodon’s absence might change the plans at Elland Road, with just three natural centre-backs available for a side who have recently played 3-5-2. There might also be questions on more attacking needs, namely that of a creative right-winger or back-up striker.
Rodon’s injury at Sunderland actually forced Farke into another mid-game formation switch, again reverting to a back-four with Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk partnering one another for the first time. It remains to be seen how the Whites boss will approach the next few weeks without his Welsh warrior, which might present an opportunity elsewhere.
Farke has spoken fondly of Sebastiaan Bornauw ever since his summer arrival from VfL Wolfsburg but as of yet, that hasn’t translated into regular football with just two minutes of Premier League action. Injury to Rodon could open the door for the Belgian to make his mark over the busy January period.
And finally, Farke might be given the chance to speak about the relegation battle which Leeds are still widely expected to be part of, despite this positive recent run. They are currently seven points clear of West Ham in 18th but no one will be counting their chickens just yet.
Daniel Farke is due to speak with the press at 2.15pm ahead of Thursday’s trip. Stay tuned for live updates...