Leeds United have suffered a fresh concern after Jean-Mattéo Bahoya left France Under-21s' 3-2 win over Luxembourg with an ankle injury. The 21-year-old started Saturday's qualifier but lasted only 35 minutes after a collision. He briefly returned, yet Baticle replaced him with Mathys Tel.
Baticle admitted that France did not know the full extent of the problem. "I cannot tell you exactly what the injury is; there will be further tests, but it is his ankle," the coach said, according to L'Equipe.
That uncertainty gives Farke another headache before Leeds travel to Arsenal . Bahoya had finally started building match rhythm after his deadline-day move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bahoya started France's previous qualifiers against Iceland and Estonia, scoring in the 2-0 win over Estonia. He played 67 minutes against Iceland and 78 against Estonia.
His only competitive outing for Farke came as a late substitute against Crystal Palace . He had barely played since May after recovering from a hamstring problem, so the break offered a chance to sharpen his fitness.
Farke has deliberately taken his time with Bahoya. Farke said he wanted the youngster ready for Premier League football before giving him a bigger role.
"I need to throw him into the water when I get the feeling he can swim," Farke said.
That approach makes the ankle problem frustrating. Bahoya had just begun collecting minutes, yet another spell out could interrupt his progress.
The injury does not appear to be a recurrence of his previous hamstring issue. Leeds cannot judge its effect until examinations establish whether he faces days or weeks out.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 09: Jean-Matteo Bahoya of Eintracht Frankfurt is challenged by Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou on December 09, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
For Leeds, the bigger question concerns the deal. Bahoya joined on loan for the 2026/27 season, with a purchase obligation agreed between the clubs. The deal could therefore become permanent.
One injury alone should not alter that thinking. Leeds recruited Bahoya for his pace, potential and attacking qualities. Still, the timing matters. Farke needs attacking depth, with Harry Wilson carrying a quad problem and Joe Rodon sidelined by a hamstring injury until November.
If Bahoya misses several weeks, Leeds United lose a promising option just as Farke had started increasing his involvement. For now, the transfer plan should stay intact, but the medical assessment could shape his return to Elland Road.
