Leeds United have been handed another major setback during the international window, adding to Daniel Farke’s mounting selection concerns ahead of a challenging Premier League encounter with Arsenal.
The Elland Road outfit were already managing availability issues after Harry Wilson was forced to withdraw from the Wales camp. The Welsh winger had sat out Leeds’ preceding fixture against Crystal Palace and could not link up with his national side, leaving coaching staff eager to see whether he can return to full fitness in time for domestic action to resume.
Now, Farke faces an additional headache out wide following developments involving summer arrival Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
The French youth international featured for France’s Under-21 side against Luxembourg on Saturday, but his outing was cut short after just 35 minutes due to an ankle problem. The issue proved serious enough to rule him out of subsequent international duties. On Monday, the French Football Federation issued an official update confirming that Bahoya had been released from the squad.
In a formal statement, the federation explained that the team, having already secured qualification for the 2027 UEFA Under-21 European Championship, would be without Bahoya as well as Giovani Versini for their concluding qualifier against Switzerland in Orleans. The release noted that Bahoya suffered an ankle knock, while Versini sustained a leg injury during the meeting with Luxembourg. Because neither player would recover in time for the Tuesday clash, both were withdrawn from the setup and instructed to return to their respective clubs.
Bahoya is scheduled for medical evaluation by Leeds staff at Thorp Arch, though his readiness for the weekend clash with Arsenal remains deeply uncertain.
The timing could hardly be worse for Leeds. The West Yorkshire side must prepare to face reigning champions Arsenal, who will arrive determined to bounce back after a surprising loss to Brighton left them trailing Manchester City in the title race. Farke needs every attacking option at his disposal to test Mikel Arteta’s squad, making Bahoya’s potential absence a significant blow.
Beyond the immediate tactical problem, the setback halts Bahoya’s personal momentum. Signed late on deadline day as Leeds sought depth following Wilfried Gnonto’s loan departure to Fiorentina, the young winger was brought in as a promising long-term asset. Club chief Robbie Evans previously noted that Bahoya represents a development project with considerable future upside rather than an instant, finished article.
Having only just received his first taste of competitive minutes in Leeds colours prior to the international pause, the French prospect remains in the early stages of acclimatising to English football. A spell on the treatment table inevitably stalls his tactical adaptation and physical conditioning, delaying his push for regular inclusion in the starting lineup. Leeds supporters will hope the Thorp Arch medical assessment brings reassuring news and that the forward’s recovery is swift.