Leeds United handed injury blow at Sunderland with key man now a doubt for Liverpool

Leeds United defender Joe Rodon was forced off during the first half of his side’s meeting with Sunderland due to an ankle injury.

Rodon twice went down with a nasty-looking issue having twice been caught by Sunderland players, both of whom were closing the Welshman down in possession. Striker Brian Brobbey and his right-wing teammate Simon Adingra both followed through on the centre-back by accident, leaving him writhing in pain both times.

No on-pitch treatment was required after Rodon's initial issue with his right ankle but he was limping for a long while. Having just about recovered, the 28-year-old was then caught on the same ankle by Adingra, this time requiring attention from the Leeds medical team.

Rodon did return to the pitch and his pain may have played a part in Sunderland's opener, with the Leeds defender not getting out as quickly as his teammates following a long throw-in, playing Adingra onside to curl an effort beyond Lucas Perri. The centre-back then received treatment again before being replaced by Ao Tanaka.

The defender has started 104 consecutive league and play-off games, a run stretching back to September 2023, but is now a doubt for Leeds’ next game. The Whites face Liverpool at Anfield on New Year’s Day, which is Thursday next week.

In his absence, Leeds reverted to a back-four formation at Sunderland, with Jaka Bijol partnering Pascal Struijk and substitute Tanaka joining Ethan Ampadu in central midfield. Sebastiaan Bornauw was available on the bench but Daniel Farke opted to keep him there.