Leeds United are immediately back in action on Tuesday night as Daniel Farke’s side go to Norwich City and the Leeds manager has delivered an injury update on Ethan Ampadu.
Leeds picked up a 3-0 win against Coventry but at a cost. Ampadu was withdrawn just before the half-time whistle and replaced by Ao Tanaka. Tanaka impressed Neil Redfearn with his first meaningful display.
Speaking after the game, Farke said that Ampadu told him it wasn’t bad. Following that, Graham Smyth predicted Wales star Ampadu would not be available for Tuesday night due to the way he was limping.
Now, Farke has delivered an update in Monday afternoon’s press conference on Ampadu following the knee injury picked up against Coventry. For Leeds fans, it is not good news regarding their skipper.
Daniel Farke says Leeds man Ethan Ampadu out until new year
Speaking to his press conference, Farke confirmed it was bad news regarding Ampadu. He says he has damaged the lateral ligament in his knee and will be sidelined for 10 weeks and set to return in January.
“With Ethan, it’s a serious injury. Damaged his lateral ligament, doctors have recommended conservative treatment but it is always difficult to predict how long he will be out but it is likely to be about 10 weeks.
“Depending on rehab. It is expected he will be back in training in December and then some team training before he can be back in the games. We expect he will be back playing in January. It’s a big blow for us.”
Who can replace Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park?
Realistically, there is only one defensive-minded option that can do the job that Ampadu currently does. Ilia Gruev proved in the second half of last season that he can play in that defensive midfield position.
Farke’s Leeds options in central midfield:
- Ilia Gruev
- Ao Tanaka
- Charlie Crew
- Joe Rothwell
- Pascal Struijk
Pascal Struijk may even be required to step into midfield but while Max Wober is injured, that is not an option. Right now, it looks likely that Gruev will slot into Ampadu’s role and Tanaka comes into the side.
Rothwell will step us as first reserve, with the on-loan Bournemouth man experienced in England’s second tier. The other options include Wales star Crew, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Yorkshire side.
Leave a Reply