Without a game until Monday September 15th at Leicester the period would have provided the perfect opportunity for Reid to work with his new squad on the training pitch.
Roque Junior has flown back to Brazil for two games, one in Colombia on September 7th, and then the World Champions host Ecuador in Manaus on September 10th.
The AC Milan loan star is not expected back at United's Thorp Arch training ground until the 12th, just three days before he is expected to form one half of a defensive partnership with Zoumana Camara at Leicester.
"I'll be checking on his games in South America, and I will be looking to play him or to be involved at some stage against Leicester, I've no qualms about that," said Peter Reid to the official Leeds United website.
However, club captain Dominic Matteo doesn't believe Junior will need much time to settle in at Elland Road. "Players like him can usually slot into any team very easily, I don't think he'll find it any trouble," said Dominic.
"He's a great signing and will give us cover in a lot of positions. He has won the World Cup and is a young guy with a lot of ability. He will bring another dimension to the team."
Salomon Olembe has had some time to get used to life in England since his move from Marseille, having started his medical last Tuesday and staying to watch his new team mates against Middlesbrough whilst the results of his medical were being waited on.
He is due back on September 8th from his Cameroon duties.
Of the other absentees, Mark Viduka will play for Australia in Sunday's friendly against Jamaica at Reading's Madejeski Stadium and Ian Harte is with Ireland for their vital Group 10 Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Paul Robinson is with England for their Euro 2004 qualifiers against Macedonia and Liechtenstein, whilst Jermaine Pennant has also been with the U-21's for their two European Championship qualifiers against Macedonia and Portugal.