diff --git a/gas/read.c b/gas/read.c
index dc4578dd0e7..37a03a61f8d 100644
--- a/gas/read.c
+++ b/gas/read.c
@@ -5398,7 +5398,7 @@ s_leb128 (int sign)
 
   do
     {
-      expression (&exp);
+      deferred_expression (&exp);
       emit_leb128_expr (&exp, sign);
     }
   while (*input_line_pointer++ == ',');