Muharemović establishing himself at Leeds

Muharemović has made an impressive start to life in England since completing his summer move from Sassuolo.

The 23-year-old centre-back has started every competitive Leeds match so far this season and has yet to miss a minute, quickly establishing himself as an important member of Farke's defensive unit.

He was again in the starting XI on Saturday as Leeds travelled to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion.

Jayden Bogle put the visitors ahead after 15 minutes before Luka Vušković equalised for Brighton in the second half, with the game eventually finishing 1-1.

The result maintained Leeds' unbeaten start to the new Premier League campaign and provided Muharemović with another 90 minutes of valuable experience in English football.

Rodon injury could increase Muharemović's importance

Muharemović's role could become even more significant over the coming weeks following the injury suffered by Joe Rodon.

The Wales international sustained a hamstring problem against Brentford and Daniel Farke has confirmed he is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight to ten weeks.

Rodon's absence leaves Leeds without one of their most established central defenders and could place greater responsibility on Muharemović as the club navigates a busy period across league and cup competitions.

The Bosnian defender has already shown that Farke is prepared to trust him in the Carabao Cup.

Muharemović started and completed the full match when Leeds defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground in the second round, keeping his place despite Farke making six changes to the team.

Stamford Bridge represents another step up

Wednesday's trip to Chelsea will provide a very different challenge.

Stamford Bridge is one of the most demanding away venues in English football and Chelsea possess attacking quality throughout their squad.

Whether the hosts select their strongest possible side or make changes for the Carabao Cup, Leeds' defenders can expect to be tested throughout the evening.

For Muharemović, an appearance in west London would represent another major step in his rapid rise since arriving from Serie A.

He joined Leeds in July after an impressive spell with Sassuolo and following his appearance with Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Within weeks of arriving in England, he has become a regular starter in Farke's side.

A strong performance against Chelsea would only strengthen his position.

Chelsea and Leeds meet again after Wembley clash

There is also recent history between the two clubs.

Chelsea ended Leeds United's FA Cup run at Wembley on 26 April, winning their semi-final 1-0 after Enzo Fernandez scored the only goal of the match.

Muharemović was not yet a Leeds player at the time, so Wednesday's game will not be a personal rematch for the Bosnian defender. For Leeds, however, it represents an early opportunity to face the club that denied them a place in last season's FA Cup final.

This time the competition is different.

Chelsea and Leeds meet in the third round of the Carabao Cup, with a place in the next stage at stake.

Will Tarik Muharemović start against Chelsea?

Leeds' starting XI will not be confirmed until shortly before kick-off, and Farke could decide to rotate his squad for the cup fixture.

However, Muharemović's involvement throughout the opening weeks of the season makes him a strong candidate for another appearance.

He has started Leeds' opening three Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Brighton, as well as the Carabao Cup victory over Forest.

With Rodon unavailable, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international now has another opportunity to strengthen his position in the Leeds defence.

Should Farke name him in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge, it would arguably be Muharemović's highest-profile club assignment since moving to England.

Chelsea vs Leeds: date and kick-off time

Chelsea host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

The Carabao Cup third-round tie will kick off at 8pm UK time, which is 9pm in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The match will be shown live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event, while international coverage will depend on local Carabao Cup broadcast partners.

For Muharemović, Wednesday night could provide another major opportunity to demonstrate why he has become such an important part of Leeds United's defence so quickly after arriving in the Premier League.