Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson has eased concerns about his fitness after limping off against Newcastle at the weekend. The 26-year-old summer signing from Lille revealed he “tried to fight through” a knock but insists he is ready to play the full 90 minutes for Sweden in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Gudmundsson has started all three Premier League matches under Daniel Farke, quickly becoming first-choice at left-back. His departure in the 80th minute of Saturday’s 0-0 draw sparked fears of a layoff, but both Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson (JDT) and Leeds staff have been reassured by the player’s upbeat assessment.
Gudmundsson on His Fitness
Speaking to Aftonbladet, Gudmundsson played down the scare:
“It’s fine. No problem. I’m completely ready. I took a knock early on and tried to fight through it. But it got tough towards the end. I’ve got 90 minutes in me if needed.” — Gabriel Gudmundsson
The comments will ease Leeds’ worries as they look to maintain their unbeaten start under Farke.
Sweden’s Confidence Boost
Sweden coach Tomasson confirmed Gudmundsson told him he is “flying” ahead of the qualifiers. With his versatility and energy, the left-back is expected to play a key role in both international fixtures.
For Leeds, the main concern will be avoiding burnout, with Gudmundsson set for heavy minutes in September before returning to the Premier League grind.
Gabriel Gudmundsson Stats Snapshot (2025/26 Premier League)
| Stat (per game) | Gudmundsson |
|---|---|
| Successful Dribbles | 1.3 (50%) |
| Total Duels Won | 4.3 (50%) |
| Ground Duels Won | 3.7 (55%) |
| Aerial Duels Won | 0.7 (33%) |
| Interceptions | 1.0 |
| Tackles | 2.0 |
| Balls Recovered | 3.0 |
| Clearances | 3.3 |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
The numbers underline his early impact: aggressive in duels, reliable defensively, and consistent in recovery work.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Gudmundsson’s start at Leeds shows why Farke pushed for his signing. His blend of mobility and defensive sharpness fits perfectly into a system that demands intensity from full-backs. Fitness will be key — the Swede has had injury problems in the past, but early signs point to him being a cornerstone of Leeds’ survival and progression.
For Sweden, his presence adds balance on the left flank. His insistence he can play 90 minutes is encouraging, though Leeds may quietly hope JDT manages his workload carefully.
Key Insights
- Gudmundsson limped off vs Newcastle but says he’s “completely ready.”
- Insists he has “90 minutes in me” for Sweden qualifiers.
- Played all three Premier League games under Daniel Farke.
- Stats show strong defensive work: 2 tackles, 3.3 clearances per game.
- Sweden coach Tomasson confirms player is “flying” in training.
What’s Next for Gudmundsson and Leeds?
Gudmundsson is expected to feature in Sweden’s qualifiers before returning to Leeds for clashes with Fulham and Wolves. His fitness and form could prove decisive as Leeds look to build on their unbeaten start.
Can Gabriel Gudmundsson stay injury-free and establish himself as one of Leeds’ key players this season?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 4 Sep 2025 10:03
Actually surprised by him. He has done well and hats off to Leeds for signing him.
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