Leeds United began their pre-season tour of America without several key players, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, for their friendly against Wrexham on 26 July 2026. The absences were due to injuries and World Cup scheduling, with the club providing updates on each player's status.
What happened to the missing players?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a minor pre-season setback, forcing him to train individually while building towards a return to full team training. Jaka Bijol picked up a knee knock, ruling him out of the match, while Sebastiaan Bornauw was held back due to a very minor issue. The club opted not to risk him in the friendly.
Why were other players absent?
Noah Okafor was given extra time off after Switzerland's World Cup quarter-final run, meaning he did not feature on the tour. Gabi Gudmundsson, Brenden Aaronson and new signing Tarirk Muharemovic were also absent, as Leeds had stated World Cup players would only join the tour later. Ilia Gruev continues his recovery from a meniscus knee injury.
What does this mean for Leeds United's pre-season?
The absences highlight the challenges of managing player fitness and recovery after major tournaments. With several key players still working their way back, Leeds will need to carefully balance training loads and match preparation as they build towards the new Premier League season.
Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
