Premier League relegation rival claims Leeds United star is 'a huge miss'

It has been a challenging international break for several Leeds United stars as their hopes of representing their countries at next summer’s World Cup finals hang in the balance.

The qualification process has been something of a disaster for Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sweden as they are currently sitting at the bottom of their group after their weekend defeat against Switzerland meant they had collected just a solitary point form five games. Defender Jaka Bijol also received criticism for his performance in Slovenia’s 2-0 home defeat against Kosovo in the same group.

Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James all represented Wales as Craig Bellamy’s side set up a do-or-die clash with North Macedonia by edging their way to a narrow win in their penultimate group stage game with Liechtenstein at the weekend. That has left Wales and North Macedonia sitting level on 13 points and means a home win on Tuesday night would be enough to send Bellamy’s men into a play-off tie to secure a spot at the finals. Wales could actually still win the group if they collect all three points - although that unlikely scenario would only come to pass if Belgium suffer a shock defeat in their home game with Liechtenstein.

One Leeds star will miss Tuesday’s crunch clash with North Macedonia after Ethan Ampadu received his second yellow card of the qualifying group in the weekend win and both he and Jordan James will now sit out what is sure to be a nervy night at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams, who is in line to win his 53rd Wales cap on Tuesday, described the absence of both players as ‘a big miss’ but stressed his side can still secure a play-off place with a win on home soil.

Important

Speaking after Saturday’s win, the former Liverpool full-back said: ”It’s a huge miss. Two very important players for us. This happens in football and, whoever is playing, is going to be ready. They're going to know the rules. It's a big miss, but it's done now and we move on to North Macedonia."

"To come here (to Liechtenstein) and get the win was the most important thing. It's important you stay patient and don't get frustrated. The next game is North Macedonia and we've got the same intentions. Everything still applies to what we're going to try and do, play the game and get the three points."

Your next Leeds United read: Leeds United star speaks out after 'very insecure' 5/10 performance ends World Cup hope