Leeds United will assess the ankle injury sustained by summer signing Jean-Matteo Bahoya after his withdrawal from the France Under-21 squad. The forward is returning to Thorp Arch for evaluation this week ahead of the club's Premier League fixture at Arsenal on Saturday.
The French Football Federation confirmed Bahoya's exit from the squad. The federation said the French team would be without him for their last qualifying match against Switzerland. Bahoya suffered the problem during the first half of a win over Luxembourg Under-21s, attempting to play on before being replaced.
Bahoya joined Leeds on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt at the end of the summer window, with an obligation to make the move permanent. He rejected interest from Hull City to move to Elland Road. His integration has been deliberately gradual under head coach Daniel Farke, who has been cautious with the young forward's minutes.
"I did not want to throw Bahoya into action before I was sure he could 'swim'," Farke said previously. Bahoya's only Leeds appearance so far was a brief debut from the bench in a draw with Crystal Palace. Before the international break, he had played just a short time for his club this season.
His form with the national team has been more prominent, however. He scored off the bench in a win over Estonia and has contributed goals and assists for France Under-21s.
Leeds face a tough test at the Emirates Stadium against the reigning champions. The club's schedule shows a demanding run, with a home match against Manchester United to follow. Farke will hope to have Bahoya available as an option, but the assessment will determine his readiness.
Other injury concerns at Leeds include Joe Rodon and Harry Wilson, who missed Wales duty with respective issues. The club's full squad status will be clearer later in the week as preparations intensify for the trip to London.
More detail at yorkshirepost.co.uk
