Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson has refused to confirm whether he will play again this season after being included in Sweden’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
The 27-year-old has missed Leeds’ recent matches following the back injury he suffered during the club’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on 26 April.
Despite his ongoing recovery, Sweden manager Graham Potter has still selected Gudmundsson for this summer’s tournament squad.
Gabriel Gudmundsson unwilling to discuss Leeds return date
Speaking after Sweden’s squad announcement, Gudmundsson avoided giving any indication about whether he could feature in Leeds United’s remaining Premier League fixtures.
“It’s nothing that I can comment on,” — Gabriel Gudmundsson via Hallandsporten
The defender did, however, make clear that he expects to be fully fit in time for Sweden’s World Cup preparations later this month.
“I went a little behind. But I have had a good dialogue with the national team management and will be fully ready when the World Cup squad gathers on May 27th.” — Gabriel Gudmundsson
Those comments appear to suggest Leeds and the player may now be prioritising caution, particularly with the club already safe from relegation heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Having followed Leeds closely during their return to the Premier League, Gudmundsson has been one of the side’s more consistent performers defensively this season. His versatility across the left side of defence and midfield proved valuable during several difficult stretches of the campaign.
Sweden focus growing after strong Leeds season
Gudmundsson also reflected positively on Leeds United’s season overall, speaking about the club’s survival achievement in almost retrospective terms.
“I had a great season in Leeds where we got the contract and then getting to hang out with the national team in Mexico and the USA will be crazy fun.” — Gabriel Gudmundsson
That wording has naturally increased speculation that the full-back may not take any unnecessary risks before the tournament begins.
The Sweden international also admitted balancing club recovery, World Cup preparation and major personal events will make this summer particularly emotional.
Gudmundsson is preparing to become a father for the first time during the tournament period.
“2026 will be difficult to top. Of course I would have liked to be there for the birth. So there are mixed feelings.” — Gabriel Gudmundsson
What’s next?
Leeds United are expected to continue monitoring Gudmundsson’s recovery carefully over the coming days, but there appears little incentive to rush the defender back before the season concludes.
Sweden’s World Cup squad will gather officially on 27 May, with Gudmundsson confident he will be fully fit by then. Much may now depend on whether Leeds believe there is any medical risk in using him during the final two league fixtures.
For now, the defender’s focus increasingly appears to be shifting towards international duty and a landmark summer both professionally and personally.
Should Leeds rest Gabriel Gudmundsson completely before the World Cup, or would a final Premier League appearance help sharpen his fitness ahead of the tournament?
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