Leeds player arrives for international training, but is now ruled out for three games.

Ian Poveda departs for Colombia ahead of a crucial run of Leeds United games.

After being called up by Colombia for upcoming friendlies, Ian Poveda will miss at least three games for Leeds United during a busy period of the season.

Colombia announced late Monday (4 December) on their official Twitter account that Poveda has been named to their 21-man squad for games against Venezuela and Mexico.

Poveda will miss United’s games against Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, and Coventry City because of the second of those matches, which takes place in the early hours of December 17th.

In an unexpected turn of events, Colombia later posted a photo of Poveda training on Monday (4 December).

Six appearances in the league

Following international breaks in September, October, and November, the emphasis was supposed to shift to club football until March.

Colombia, on the other hand, scheduled friendlies outside of the specified international windows, and Poveda was clearly delighted to accept the invitation.

Colombia’s squad is devoid of well-known names, with the likes of Luis Diaz and Jefferson Lerma absent.

According to FIFA rules, teams are not required to release players outside of the dates specified by FIFA.

Poveda isn’t a regular in the Leeds first team, so his absence won’t be felt as much, but he has played six league games this season.

It is now expected that he will be able to return in time for Ipswich Town‘s visit on December 23.

While the timing could be better, Poveda‘s decision to represent his country must be respected.