Joe Rodon
LEE
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Oct 22, 1997 (28)
Right
6'4"
194 lb
Leeds UnitedOut eight to 10 weeks
Rodon (hamstring) will be sidelined for eight-to-10 weeks with a serious hamstring injury, according to coach Daniel Farke, per Leeds Live. "Bad news with Joe. Serious hamstring injury. Out for eight to 10 weeks."
Analysis: Rodon's injury is a significant blow to Leeds after the center-back was forced off just 34 minutes into Sunday's draw against Brentford. The confirmed timeline will keep him out of Saturday's clash against Brighton and potentially through much of the next two months. Nico Elvedi, who replaced Rodon against Brentford and earned praise from manager Daniel Farke, is expected to step into the starting XI at center-back during his extended absence.
Suffers hamstring injury
Rodon was forced off in the 34th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brentford after suffering a hamstring injury, according to coach Daniel Farke, per Leeds Live. "Rodon got a hamstring injury. Very painful injury, Hopefully it's not too long. Happy with Elvedi. But big blow if he is not out for a while."
Analysis: Rodon's match was cut short after just 34 minutes due to what manager Daniel Farke described as a painful hamstring injury. The coach expressed hope that the center-back won't be sidelined for an extended period, though the severity of the issue and a potential recovery timeline remain unclear ahead of further assessment. Rodon's absence would be a significant blow to the back line if the injury proves serious, with Nico Elvedi expected to step into the starting XI at center-back for any matches he misses.
Helps to clean sheet win in opener
Rodon generated one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Rodon made five clearances and one interception as Leeds defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0. The defender played in 35 games last season as Leeds had a famous season that saw them retain their place in the Premier League. He created a chance in the game, having created a total of nine chances last season.
Signs extension through 2030
Rodon signed a new contract through 2030 with Leeds United, his club announced.
Analysis: Rodon is sticking around Leeds after three years with the club, as he has now extended his contract to remain with the club through 2030. He has secured his status over the past three seasons as a starter, so this should come as no surprise, starting in 33 of his 35 appearances following Leeds' promotion in the 2025/26 campaign. This spot should stick for the defender after the extension, although his value can be questioned in some formats after only 37 tackles and six clean sheets last season.
Strong in Monday's draw
Rodon recorded one shot (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 79th minute.
Analysis: Rodon took on his former club Monday and made sure his name was on every Spurs' fans lips. He helped keep Spurs to just two shots on target, recording four clearances, one tackle, one interception and one blocked shot on the defensive end. He was also involved on the attack, recording one shot on target, one chance created and one accurate cross in his very active 90 minutes of action.
Surprise bench appearance
Rodon (ankle) made a surprise appearance on the bench for Saturday's clash against Wolves, beating his initial May return timeline by several weeks, the club posted.
Analysis: Rodon had been expected to miss at least two weeks and was considered unlikely to feature in April after manager Daniel Farke flagged a May return as the realistic target following a ligament injury to his ankle. His presence on the bench is a remarkable recovery turnaround for Leeds United, who have been desperately short of defensive options with the club sitting just three points above the relegation zone. Whether he sees any minutes or simply serves as an emergency option will be Farke's call, but having him available at all at this stage is a significant boost for the Whites heading into the business end of the season.
Potentially missing until May
Rodon (ankle) is expected to miss time until May, according to manager Daniel Farke, per the BBC. "It's difficult to say - with a ligament injury, you'd say it's not realistic that they were able to help us in April, but of course, the medical department is trying everything. It's a crunch point of the season. At this moment, it's realistic to say that we'll see them back in May."
Analysis: Rodon went down with an ankle injury around a week ago, and his outlook is now clearer, as the defender is likely to sit out until May. This is a major loss to the club as they only remain three points above relegation, now without a Rodon and Anton Stach (ankle) until May, losing a main defender and midfielder. He had yet to miss a start all season when available, so the club will scramble to adjust for future matches, with James Justin, Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol likely to start while Sebastiaan Bornauw sees more chances at starting time.
Set to miss time
Rodon (ankle) is out for Monday's match against Manchester United, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Also, Joe will miss the game, also an ankle injury for him."
Analysis: Rodon went down in FA Cup play last week and will now hit the sidelines, as the defender has been diagnosed with an ankle injury. This is a major absence in the defense for the club as they move forward, starting in 29 games this season. A short absence will now be hoped for as he works on recovery, with Sebastiaan Bornauw a likely replacement in the defense while he is out.
Forced off injured
Rodon was forced off in the 52nd minute of Sunday's FA Cup match against West Ham due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Rodon would need to leave the field just after halftime Sunday, appearing to pick up an injury that would leave Sebastiaan Bornauw to take his spot in the 52nd minute. The club will monitor his status closely, as the defender is a regular starter and a major contributor to the defense, having started in 29 games. More should come out following the match, with Bornauw as a likely replacement if he misses more time.
Five clearances in defeat
Rodon registered two tackles (zero won) and five clearances in Tuesday's 1-0 loss versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Rodon recorded two tackles and five clearances in Tuesday's clash against Sunderland, helping anchor the defense while also initiating several build-ups from the back. He also had a goal ruled out in the second half for offside. The center-back remains an undisputed starter in the back line, starting all 27 Premier League appearances this season while tallying 31 tackles, 26 interceptions and 150 clearances during that span.
Starting in defense
Rodon (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Tuesday's match against Sunderland.
Analysis: Rodon was likely to return Tuesday and is already fit, with the defender earning a spot in the starting XI immediately. With 26 starts in 26 appearances heading into the contest, he seems to be the top defensive option, with three clean sheets to his name.
Should play Tuesday
Rodon (hamstring) is an option for Tuesday's match against Sunderland, according to manager Daniel Farke. "He had some problems with his hamstring. It was not clear at the beginning if it was just a cramp or a light injury. We have assessed him, also scanned him. It seems like he is to be okay. So, as it stands, I expect him to be available for tomorrow."
Analysis: Rodon is back in selection for the club after an injury scare over the weekend, avoiding a serious hamstring injury. He will likely still need to face some testing with the quick turnaround, although it does look to be positive for the defender. He is a regular starter in the defense and should reclaim that role if deemed fit enough.
Suffers potential muscle issue
Rodon finished Saturday's 1-0 loss to Manchester City with a knock, about which assistant manager Eddie Riemer said in press conference "I think it's his hamstring. We need to assess him, hopefully it's not too serious.", Isaac Johnson of Leeds Live reports.
Analysis: Rodon is now a doubt for upcoming matchups, causing considerable concern ahead of a week with two games against Sunderland and Norwich in league and FA Cup, respectively. The regular defender was replaced by Jaka Bijol near the end of Saturday's clash, so that could be a change in the starting squad if the injury leads Rodon to the sidelines.
Training in full
Rodon was training in full in recent days following his exit in last week's loss against Newcastle due to cramps, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Joe is back in training."
Analysis: Rodon was forced off in last week's clash against the Magpies due to cramps and has since then been training fully, making him an option for Leeds United moving forward. The defender has been a regular starter when fit and available and should claim back that role in upcoming games.
Leaves with discomfort Wednesday
Rodon was forced to leave Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Newcastle due to an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Rodon limped off after suffering some pain in the final minutes of the midweek duel, which was his first start since recovering from an ankle issue. It's unclear if he's dealing with a new injury or a setback, and his status is currently in doubt for the short term. Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk played alongside him in the back line Wednesday and should be the top options to feature, with Sebastiaan Bornauw available to fill in if Rodon is sidelined again.
Starting Wednesday
Rodon (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game versus Newcastle.
Analysis: Rodon has bounced back from a two-game injury absence and should feature as part of a back three alongside Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol in the midweek match. Rodon was reliable in terms of defensive stats before his issue, as he tallied more than four clearances in 12 of his previous 15 starts.
Progressing, out another two games
Rodon (ankle) is eyeing a return after the Jan. 11 FA Cup match against Derby County, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Joe is edging closer and making good progress. We have at least two more days to return back to team training, perhaps more realistic other side of FA Cup fixture."
Analysis: Rodon was likely to miss three weeks and that appears to be coming to fruition, as the defender is eyeing a return after the FA Cup match and another week of rest. This leaves them without a starting defender for another two games, as Rodon had yet to miss a game until the injury. Once he is fit, an immediate start should follow, sending Sebastiaan Bornauw back to the bench.
Eyeing three weeks out
Rodon (ankle) could be set to miss around three weeks and isn't expected to return until after the Jan. 11 FA Cup match against Derby County, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Yes, he will definitely miss the Liverpool game. The diagnosis is better than we were fearing straight after the game because it didn't look really good. But the assessment is it is an ankle ligament injury and normally, yeah, you will be out with such an injury for around three weeks. We still have a bit of hope because normally he is a good healer and also a strong boy."
Analysis: Rodon was initially thought to be missing around two weeks of action with an ankle injury but will take the absence a game further, as the defender is now likely to miss around three weeks of action, This puts him on the other side of their opening FA Cup match, not returning until mid-January, with a return eyed against Fulham on Jan. 17. He is a typical starter in the defense, so this is major loss for the time being, with the club likely to move to a four-back while Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk earn the start in the middle of the defense.
Likely out two weeks
Rodon (ankle) is expected to be out until the January 11 match against Derby County, according to manager Daniel Farke, per Beren Cross of The Athletic.
Analysis: Rodon suffered an injury to his ankle and is still dealing with some swelling, forcing the defender to the sidelines for at least the next week. This comes with the club having a busy schedule, set to play three matches between now and the January 11 contest. If the claims remain true, the club will be left without a starting defender for the time being, likely to return to a two-back while Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk remain as starters.
Off with ankle injury
Rodon was forced off in the first half of Sunday's match against Sunderland with an ankle injury.
Analysis: Rodon was forced off in the 31st minute being replaced by Ao Tanaka. The extent of Rodon's injury should be determined in the buildup to Thursday's match at Liverpool.
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