Joe Rodon injury leaves Wales sweating over Portugal and Denmark

Joe Rodon was forced off after 33 minutes in Leeds's 1-1 draw with Brentford at Leeds vs Brentford, and Daniel Farke later confirmed the defender has a hamstring injury. The draw finished level after a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal cancelled out Kevin Schade's opener, but the bigger issue now is Rodon's fitness for Wales. He has 62 caps and was only 34 minutes into the game when he went down.

Farke's update on Rodon

Farke did not offer much comfort after the match. Speaking to the BBC, he said: "Rodon (has) got a hamstring injury" and added: "Very painful injury, big blow if he is out for a while." He also said: "We have to assess him. Hopefully he's not out too long. We do not have many senior centre-back options."

Rodon has already played only 124 league minutes this season, across just 2 league appearances, so any absence would interrupt an early spell of involvement. He lasted 34 minutes against Brentford before being withdrawn, and Leeds will have to wait on the assessment before knowing whether he is available again soon.

Wales' September problem

The timing is awkward for Wales because their next competitive away games are coming quickly. They travel to Portugal on 24 September and then to Denmark on 27 September in the Nations League.

Craig Bellamy will already be watching one senior centre-back closely, and Rodon's withdrawal only tightens the concern. If the hamstring issue keeps him out, Wales are not just losing a regular starter, they are losing a player with 62 caps at a point when the schedule leaves little room for errors.