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Daniel Farke reveals new Calvert-Lewin injury as multiple Leeds players doubtful vs Tottenham
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- Daniel Farke reveals new Calvert-Lewin injury as multiple Leeds players doubtful vs Tottenham
Daniel Farke has provided an update on Joe Rodon's involvement in Leeds United's clash with Tottenham.
The Welshman has been out for 10 weeks with a hamstring issue that he picked up against Brentford in August, missing most of the season so far.
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Rodon is a key part of the Whites' defence, and they have felt his absence a lot recently.
Farke's side have not won in their last five matches, curtailing a brilliant start to the campaign.
They need the crocked 29-year-old back as soon as possible, as he is a leader and a defensive stalwart.
Wales boss Craig Bellamy had hinted that he would be available for the Elland Road clash on Saturday, and now the Peacocks manager has spoken.
What did Daniel Farke say about Joe Rodon's involvement in Leeds vs Tottenham?
Rodon is not the only potential absentee, with Noah Okafor missing against Bournemouth last time out.
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Gabriel Gudmundsson and James Justin picked up knocks and their involvement against Spurs was under question.
Farke has now spoken about those issues in his pre-match press conference.
He said: "Joe Rodon, he is back in full team training this week. Of course he was out for quite a time, but definitely good because he is important for us.
"Noah Okafor obviously missed the last game, due to some adductor problems. He was not able to have one team training session this week, just individual work for him, so can't really say if he is available for the game. We have two more days.
"Same for Anton Stach, with foot problems, so just individual rehab work was possible. They are major doubts, if they are available.
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"Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a little setback with his foot as well, wasn't able to train with us today, but with him I am carefully optimistic that he is back in training tomorrow."
On Gudmundsson and Justin, the boss said: "Knocks, especially Gaby, but everything is ok, they were able to train with us in the last days, no problem."
With two potentially players out, the update on Rodon is positive, but why does Farke need him back so soon?
Leeds predicted XI vs Tottenham: Defender gets first Premier League start, Noah Okafor returns Why is Rodon so important for Leeds?
Rodon's return is absolutely vital for Leeds, so that they can turn their miserable form around.
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The veteran defender has only played twice in the top-flight this season, for a total of 124 minutes, which is not enough for a player of his immense quality.
He had recorded a pass accuracy of 73.5 per cent and had created 0.73 chances per game, which puts him in the 83rd percentile for his position.
Rodon was averaging 7.98 defensive contributions per 90 minutes, with 0.73 tackles, 0.73 interceptions, 1.45 recoveries and 5.81 clearances, per FotMob data.
In terms of duels, he won 58.3 per cent on the ground and 100 per cent in the air, showing his dominance in those metrics.
The LS11 side need him back very quickly, as he marshals the defence and makes those around him, like Tarik Muharemovic and Jaka Bijol, play better.
He is one of Farke's most important players at the end of the day, and the boss will be glad to have him back, available for selection again, after such a long layoff.
