According to Graham Smyth, Leeds United defender Joe Rodon was not rushed to hospital following his team’s draw with Portsmouth, contrary to claims.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reporter took to X (10 August) to respond to a query about allegations that Rodon was “rushed to hospital” after the 3-3 draw at Elland Road, claiming the reports were false.
Such allegations spread on social media after an X user remarked on August 10 that Rodon was “a concern” and did not appear totally fit in United’s first match of the season.
Addressing the rumors, Smyth indicated that Rodon was “fine” following the Whites’ disappointing outcome, with the Welshman pictured sinking to the ground in disbelief after Brenden Aaronson’s last-gasp miss.
Joe Rodon’s clarification is fantastic news for Leeds United fans.
Losing their £10 million centre-back for any length of time, especially after anything as serious as a hospitalization, would have been the worst news to come out of Elland Road.
Rodon and his teammates were not in great form against Portsmouth, as United conceded three avoidable goals and had to come from behind twice, but he remains an important member of the squad.
Securing Rodon on a permanent transfer has undoubtedly been the club’s highlight of the summer thus far, especially since he returned to LS11 as part of the £40 million deal that sent Archie Gray to Tottenham [Smyth, 1 July].
The news that Rodon was fine following his side’s match on August 10 will come as a relief to Whites fans, as his absence would most likely result in new captain Ethan Ampadu dropping from midfield to defence.
To avoid that, the returning Maximilian Wober may be Farke’s go-to choice with Pascal Struijk, and while he has stated that he is devoted to the cause this season, fans may be less than convinced.
