Jaka Bijol
LEESlovenia
Right
Feb 5, 1999
27
6'3"
187 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
Leeds UnitedPicks up injury, not training
Bijol is doubtful for Monday's match against Manchester United due to a back problem, according to manager Daniel Farke. "A few more question marks. Jaka is currently struggling with a knock. He was not in team training yet during this week. [He is a] doubt. So, if you would play the game already tomorrow, then [he] wouldn't be available. We have a bit more time, and I am hopeful that I have [him] ready."
Analysis: Bijol is going to be a late call for the club's next contest, as the defender suffered a back injury that has prevented him from training. That said, his chances of playing seem to be slim, as it was mentioned that if the game were today, there would be no chance he would feature. He is a starting defender when fit, so even if he is on the bench to start, this is a loss, especially with Joe Rodon (foot) already out. If both are to be out, the club would be in a dire spot, either giving Sam Byram his first start of the season or needing to shift some players around to make it work, potentially even making a change of formation down to only two central defenders.
Available off bench
Bijol (hamstring) is on the bench for Friday's game against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Bijol returned to training earlier in the week, and the medical staff has deemed him healthy enough to make the bench. Eventually, Bijol should return to the lineup and slot at center-back, presumably over James Justin.
Back in team training
Bijol (hamstring) returned to team training Wednesday and will need to be re-evaluated to see how his body reacts, said coach Daniel Farke in the press conference. "Jaka, since today is back in team training, we'll have to wait right now to see how his body reacts but that's definitely positive for us."
Analysis: Bijol returned to team training Wednesday after missing the last three matches with a hamstring injury. He will be re-evaluated to see how his body reacts in order to determine when he will be available again. The defender is an important presence at the back, having started each of the nine matches prior to his injury.
Hopes to return after Forest game
Bijol (hamstring) is eyeing a potential return after their match against Nottingham Forest on Feb. 6, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Jaka will definitely also miss the Arsenal game," the boss said. "He is progressing in his rehab. We hope to have him back on the other side of the Nottingham game."
Analysis: Bijol is still not an option, but has received some positive news, as the defender is progressing in rehabilitation. This leaves the defender eyeing a return after their Nottingham Forest match on Feb. 6, potentially an option to face Chelsea on Feb. 10. This would mean a return of a starting defender, something the club will hope comes sooner rather than later.
Facing decent absence
Bijol (hamstring) is out for the next three to five weeks due to his injury, but is planning to train in the next two to three weeks, according to manager Daniel Farke, per Kyle Newbound of the Workshire Evening Post. "Rehab progress has started. Difficult to predict, three-to-five weeks, it looks like it could be the more positive timeframe. One week gone, he's already improving and doing stuff in the gym. I hope to have him back in team training in two-to-three weeks."
Analysis: Bijol was dealt a hamstring injury over the weekend and has finally received his timeline, as the defender is out for the next three to five weeks as he heals. Luckily, it appears he is already on the mend, with a plan to train in around two weeks. The hope will be that he can return by the end of February, potentially missing less time than expected, depending on his training.
Dealing with hamstring sprain
Bijol is dealing with a hamstring sprain and is likely to miss some time to recover, according to Isaac Johnson from Leeds Live.
Analysis: Bijol is not available for Saturday's clash against the Spurs after suffering a hamstring sprain that will likely require some time to heal. This is a massive blow for Leeds United since he is an undisputed starter in the backline when fit and his absence forces a change, with Jayden Bogle expected to get a larger role in defense until he returns.
Season high four interceptions
Bijol had one tackle (zero won), eight clearances and four interceptions in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Analysis: Bijol played a strong defensive game, leading the team with eight clearances and a season-high four interceptions, while also contributing two blocks and one tackle. Over his last seven games, the defender has recorded nine tackles with at least one in each match except one, 12 interceptions with at least one in every game but one and 41 clearances with a minimum of three in each outing.
Records first league assist
Bijol assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-1 win versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Bijol recorded his first assist of the season from just his second chance created after eight appearances, flicking on a long throw to set up Dominic Calvert-Lewin for his second goal. Defensively, he added one tackle, two interceptions and four clearances, bringing his totals to 12 tackles, nine interceptions and 39 clearances.
Scores header against Chelsea
Bijol scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-1 win versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Bijol opened the scoring against Chelsea on Wednesday with a powerful header from an Anton Stach corner, marking his first goal since joining from Udinese this summer. He also delivered a strong defensive performance, recording nine clearances and a season-high three tackles after coming off the bench in his previous two matches. The center-back has totaled 27 clearances and eight tackles in five appearances this season.
Available once more
Bijol is available for Saturday's trip to Arsenal after serving a one-match ban.
Analysis: Bijol was suspended due to a ban that carried over from Serie A and served that during a 1-0 win over Everton. The defender should compete for a starting job when he's fully fit, likely sending Pascal Struijk to the bench. Bijol made 34 starts as a key part of Udinese's backline last season.
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