Leeds United are preparing for one of their biggest pre-season tests so far when they welcome Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig to Elland Road, but Daniel Farke could be forced to make late decisions over two first-team players whose fitness remains uncertain.

After spending the past week in the United States, Leeds have finally returned home as preparations for the new Premier League campaign enter a crucial stage. The club’s American tour offered valuable minutes, tactical experiments and encouraging signs, but it also brought a couple of injury concerns that are now dominating attention ahead of Saturday’s friendly.

The Whites experienced a mixed but positive tour across the Atlantic. They began with a defeat against Wrexham before bouncing back with an impressive victory over Sunderland. Confidence grew even further after Leeds wrapped up the trip with a dramatic win over Liverpool, giving supporters plenty of reasons to feel optimistic ahead of the new season.

Off the pitch, it has also been an exciting week.

Leeds officially completed the club-record signing of England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, ending weeks of speculation surrounding one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories. The 49ers ownership group have shown their ambition by investing heavily in a player they believe can become the club’s long-term number one.

Although supporters are eager to see Trafford in action, they may have to wait a little longer.

The goalkeeper is expected to be introduced to the Elland Road crowd before kickoff, but he is unlikely to feature immediately as he continues settling into his new surroundings following the completion of his transfer.

Instead, attention will shift toward the squad already available to Farke—and particularly the fitness of two important defenders.

Centre-back Jaka Bijol remains a doubt after missing every minute of Leeds’ American tour. The Slovenia international suffered a knee knock before travelling and has been working his way back toward full fitness.

While there has been optimism that he could return to training this week, no confirmation has been given regarding whether he will be ready to feature against Leipzig. With the Premier League opener drawing closer, Leeds are expected to take a cautious approach rather than risk aggravating the issue.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is another player being closely monitored.

The Swedish full-back was forced off during the victory over Liverpool after appearing to pick up an injury. Since returning to England, the club has remained quiet regarding the extent of the problem, leaving supporters uncertain about whether he will be available this weekend.

Should Gudmundsson miss out, it would present another selection headache for Farke as he continues refining his preferred starting eleven before competitive football returns.

Saturday’s fixture itself promises to be slightly different from a traditional pre-season encounter.

Rather than the standard 90-minute format, Leeds and RB Leipzig have agreed to play two 60-minute halves. Hydration breaks will also be introduced midway through each period, giving both coaching staffs additional opportunities to rotate players and manage workloads.

The unusual format is designed to maximise fitness while allowing both squads to give valuable minutes to a larger group of players before their domestic campaigns begin.

For Leeds, the match represents another important opportunity to build momentum after an encouraging end to the US tour.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig arrive in West Yorkshire with plenty of confidence of their own.

The German club have already played four pre-season matches after beginning their summer schedule with a tour of South Africa, where they faced Mamelodi Sundowns. Since then, Leipzig have recorded victories in each of their remaining friendlies against German opposition.

Although those wins came against lower-division sides, Saturday will provide their toughest preparation yet as they take on Premier League opposition in front of a packed Elland Road crowd.

For Daniel Farke, the result itself will be secondary.

His priority will be assessing the physical condition of his squad, integrating new faces where possible, and ensuring key players continue building rhythm before the league campaign officially begins.

Supporters will also be watching closely for updates on Bijol and Gudmundsson, with every positive fitness development becoming increasingly important as Leeds edge closer to their return to Premier League action.

With excitement surrounding James Trafford’s arrival, growing optimism after the US tour and another demanding test against RB Leipzig on the horizon, Elland Road is set for another fascinating afternoon as Leeds continue their preparations for what promises to be a hugely important season.