Ao Tanaka suffered a medial collateral ligament injury during Leeds United’s 5-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, adding to Daniel Farke’s mounting concerns in midfield.
The Japan international went down after a first-half challenge but carried on into the second period before being replaced around the 58th minute when the discomfort became too much.
Post-match, Daniel Farke confirmed the issue was MCL-related, and admitted there are “a few concerns” despite the player’s ability to continue for a spell after the incident.
“After a tackle in the first half, he had problems with his MCL,” Farke said. “He kept going and I hope it’s not too bad. I hope the assessment is not too bad. There are a few concerns that it would be an injury but it’s normally positive that he could play further on. But we will have to assess him and we will see how long it takes to get him fit and back to full fitness.”
Sadly, the player who lit up the Championship last season, will now be sidelined for a number of weeks. “He will be absent for a few weeks,” Farke said after scans revealed the extent of the injury. “At the moment, it is still difficult to say exactly when he will be back. In any case, but not before the international break.”
His setback came only days after Ethan Ampadu sustained a medial cruciate ligament injury, leaving Leeds vulnerable in the centre of the pitch.