Leeds United will be without centre-back Joe Rodon for as long as two and a half months after manager Daniel Farke confirmed the Welsh international has suffered a serious hamstring injury.
Rodon, 28, was withdrawn just 34 minutes into Leeds' 1-1 Premier League draw with Brentford last weekend, and subsequent assessment has revealed the extent of the damage. Farke delivered the update to reporters ahead of his side's away trip to Brighton on Saturday, where kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 BST.
"Bad news, serious hamstring injury," Farke told the media. "He will be out for eight to 10 weeks. Definitely not playing before the next international break."
The timing is particularly frustrating given Rodon had appeared to be hitting a good run of form, having featured in Leeds' opening-day league victory over Nottingham Forest as well as a Carabao Cup win against the same opponents. His sudden exit against Brentford has left a gap in Farke's defensive options that the German coach admits will be difficult to fill in the short term.
"A big blow for us because he's a key player," Farke said. "Puts more pressure on us to get a wing-back - we may need James Justin at centre-back."
Justin, who has already been shuffled between positions this season, looks likely to be asked to step into the back line in Rodon's absence. The versatile defender has also been filling in at left-back following a pre-season hamstring problem suffered by Swedish international Gabriel Gudmundsson, meaning Leeds' defensive depth has been stretched even before Rodon's setback.
To bolster their options at left-back, Leeds moved on deadline day to sign French defender Melvin Bard, giving Farke an alternative body to call upon in that area of the pitch. However, with Rodon now sidelined for an extended period, the head coach may need to consider further reinforcements when the transfer window reopens in January.
"[It is] important Joe comes back as quick as possible," Farke added. "Need a bit of luck, but we also have the January window to react if necessary."
The injury is a blow not just for Leeds but also for Wales, who will be missing one of their most experienced defenders for a crucial stretch of Nations League fixtures. Rodon had been expected to be a central figure for his country as they travel to face Portugal on 24 September and Denmark three days later on 27 September in Uefa Nations League Group 4 away matches.
Wales' schedule does not get any easier after that international window, with home fixtures against Norway and Denmark following in early October. Rodon's presence would have been valuable across both legs of fixtures against strong opposition, and his manager at international level will now have to plan without him for the foreseeable future.
For Leeds, the immediate priority is managing the defensive reshuffle as they continue their Premier League campaign. Saturday's trip to Brighton represents an early test of how well Farke's side can cope without one of their most reliable centre-backs, with the promoted club looking to build on their positive start to life back in the top flight.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.