Leeds United may not be in action for the next fortnight but the Whites have a number of key players on international duty this month.
Daniel Farke has admitted he is crossing his fingers for no injuries to his players ahead of the crucial run-in period, having largely played the same side for recent Championship fixtures in 2025.
One example is Brenden Aaronson, who has begun the last 36 straight league games. The American has not been selected to represent the USA this fortnight, handing him a valuable rest amid waning form.
Conversely, Joe Rodon has started every Championship match and will likely play in both of Wales’ World Cup qualifiers, which includes a trip to North Macedonia. The same applies for Daniel James, who has begun the last 14 league games.
They are just two of 13 senior United players out of international duty this month, some of whom are regulars.
Ao Tanaka - Japan
Tanaka flies east to represent his nation in their World Cup qualifiers this fortnight, with Japan able to seal their place at the 2026 finals this break. They face Bahrain at home on Thursday before hosting Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Daniel James - Wales
As mentioned, both Rodon and James have been called up for Craig Bellamy’s squad, who host Kazakhstan on Saturday before the trip to North Macedonia on Tuesday. United back-up goalkeeper Darlow is also involved, having earned all three of his caps under Bellamy last year.
Junior Firpo - Dominican Republic
Firpo faces a double-header against Puerto Rico both home and away in the small hours of Saturday and Wednesday. Both are friendlies. Firpo usually plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for his nation, having often been found in such roles while at left-back for Leeds.
Manor Solomon - Israel
Solomon spearheads the beginning of Israel’s World Cup qualifying campaign against Estonia on Saturday before Norway on Tuesday. The winger does not face much travelling, with Israel at home for both fixtures.
Ilia Gruev - Bulgaria
Bulgaria face a Nations League play-off against the Republic Of Ireland both home and away over two legs for the right to play in League B of the system. Bulgaria play home first before travelling to Dublin, so a short flight back to Leeds for Gruev after his final game.
Isaac Schmidt - Switzerland
Despite only playing nine times for Leeds since his arrival last August, Schmidt has been given his maiden call up for the Switzerland senior squad ahead of two friendlies. He could be handed his debut away at Northern Ireland on Friday or at home to Luxembourg on Tuesday.
Wilfried Gnonto - Italy U21s
After his starring display against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, Gnonto is travelling to join up with Italy’s under-21s for friendlies against the Netherlands and Denmark age groups. The winger has made 13 appearances for the senior side but has not been chosen since September 2023.
Mateo Joseph - Spain U21s
Joseph has an impressive record for Spain’s under-21 side, scoring six times in seven matches. He will face up against Czechia and Germany on Friday and Tuesday, respectively.
Sam Chambers - Scotland U19s
Chambers has already played for Scotland Under-19s during the age group’s three European Championships qualifiers in November. Friendlies against Sweden on Wednesday, the Republic Of Ireland on Friday and Iceland on Tuesday await.
Charlie Crew - Wales U19s
Crew - on loan at Doncaster Rovers until the end of the season - will represent Wales Under-19s against England Under-19s on Wednesday before fixtures against Portugal and Turkey on Saturday and Tuesday.
Darko Gyabi - England U20s
Gyabi is currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle for the season and his performances have earned him another call up for England’s Under-20s. He will look to build on his two goals in 10 matches against Portugal on Friday and Switzerland on Monday.
