Ao Tanaka
27-Year-Old
Leeds United
Premier
GTD
Injury Knee
Est. Return 9/13/2025
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Tanaka joined Leeds United last summer and immediately established himself as the heartbeat of the midfield. He made 43 appearances (37 starts) and scored five times with two assists from 43 shots and 31 chances created. It was a solid campaign in the Championship, but that sort of production doesn't bode well for any sort of consistent offensive breakout in the Premier League. Most of Tanaka's fantasy production will likely be of the defensive variety with less than five goal contributions a likely result this season.
Could be an option Saturday
Tanaka (knee) could be an option for Saturday's clash against Fulham, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Both since the beginning of this week have reintegrated and joined in major parts of team training. Ethan even more so than Ao, because he was slightly ahead in terms of schedule. We have 48 more hours to take a late decision with them, it's possible we travel with both of them, just take one or neither to Fulham."
ANALYSIS
Tanaka missed the last Premier League game due to a knee injury but is nearing a return after being reintegrated into big parts of training this week. This is positive news for Leeds United since he is an undisputed starter in the midfield under coach Daniel Farke and should find back this role when deemed fit enough to.
Tanaka missed the last Premier League game due to a knee injury but is nearing a return after being reintegrated into big parts of training this week. This is positive news for Leeds United since he is an undisputed starter in the midfield under coach Daniel Farke and should find back this role when deemed fit enough to.
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More Fantasy News
Out until international break
Tanaka (knee) is out until the international break due to his MCL injury, according to manager Daniel Farke, per Lee Sobot of the Yorkshire Evening Post. "MCL injury, he will also be out for a few weeks. It's difficult at the moment to say exactly when he can return, but also definitely not before the international break."
ANALYSIS
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Dealing with MCL
Tanaka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's 5-0 defeat against Arsenal due to problems with his MCL, coach Daniel Farke said in a press conference, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. "After a tackle in the first half, he had problems with his MCL. 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."
ANALYSIS
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Immediate midfield force
Tanaka had five goals and two assists from 43 shots and 31 chances created in 37 starts (43 appearances this past season).
ANALYSIS
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Moves to Leeds
Tanaka signed with Leeds from Fortuna Dusseldorf, the club announced.
ANALYSIS
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Finds net in win
Tanaka scored one goal from one shot and made three interceptions during Thursday's 2-1 win over Spain.
ANALYSIS
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