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Bahoya ankle scare clouds Leeds' unbeaten PL run ahead of Arsenal test

📅 October 6, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 15

Where Leeds stand

Daniel Farke's side are enjoying one of the best starts to a top-flight season in recent memory. Leeds sit fifth in the Premier League with an unbeaten record through their opening games, boasting one of the division's meanest defences. Their last outing was a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace on 20 September, and they have been on the three-week international break ever since. The return to action could hardly be tougher — a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face reigning champions Arsenal on Saturday, 10 October.

Bahoya ankle blow — the big worry

The most pressing concern arriving from the international break is the fitness of French winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya. The 21-year-old, on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt, lasted just 35 minutes in France Under-21s' 3-2 win over Luxembourg before hobbling off with an ankle problem after landing awkwardly. He briefly attempted to play on before being replaced. France U21 boss Gérald Baticle was unable to give a clear verdict, saying further tests would be needed to assess the damage. Bahoya has since been released from the France squad early and sent back to Leeds ahead of schedule. With his only competitive appearance for Farke amounting to just one minute as a late substitute against Crystal Palace, the timing is particularly frustrating — the winger had been building match sharpness at international level with a goal against Estonia just days before the injury. Farke had previously spoken about his careful approach to bringing Bahoya along, saying he wanted to be sure the youngster was ready before throwing him in. That plan now faces fresh disruption.

Other injury concerns

Bahoya is not the only fitness worry. Defender Joe Rodon suffered a hamstring blow before the break and is not expected back until late October or early November at the earliest. Harry Wilson also missed the international break through injury, though his problem appears less serious and he could be available for the Arsenal trip. Winger Daniel James is another doubt — Wales manager Craig Bellamy indicated James was not ready to start their defeat to Denmark, and there are concerns over a possible knock that left him unused off the bench. Farke could be without as many as five players when he faces the press later this week.

Internationals round-up

It was not all bad news on the international front for Leeds players. Captain Ethan Ampadu impressed for Wales despite a 1-0 home loss to Denmark, continuing his fine form in the heart of midfield. Midfielder Ao Tanaka captained Japan's charge to the Kirin Cup final, helping his side past New Zealand to claim the trophy. Defenders Tarik Muharemovic and Gabi Gudmundsson faced each other as Bosnia-Herzegovina and Sweden played out a 1-1 Nations League draw, while Nico Elvedi and Jaka Bijol also went head-to-head as Switzerland beat Slovenia.

Transfer talk

On the transfer front, Czech attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc of Lyon remains a name swirling around Elland Road ahead of the January window. Reports suggest Leeds have already made direct contact with the player, with multiple sources indicating genuine interest. However, Sulc is far from an exclusive Leeds target — Aston Villa, Tottenham, Juventus and Atlético Madrid are all said to be keeping close tabs on him, and Lyon are believed to be demanding around £43 million. (RUMOUR) Separately, Football Insider reports that Chelsea have been tipped to make a move for one of Leeds' key men, with the player described as a "dream" signing — though no official approach has been made. Leeds are also said to have made their position clear that they will not sanction a January exit for their prized £34 million defender, despite reported interest from European clubs.

Sources

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