Daniel Farke could be forced into making an unwanted change at the back when Leeds United face Coventry City.
Farke confirmed Pascal Struijk is an injury doubt heading into the game, having missed the majority of Leeds‘ training sessions since the 2-0 win over Cardiff City.
The 25-year-old has been an imperious figure at the back for Leeds this season. He has played a key role in Leeds keeping four clean sheets in their last five matches.
Struijk has the highest passing accuracy of any player in the Championship, is a magnet from set-pieces and is also among the best in the division for interceptions.
Farke remains optimistic Struijk will be fit, but it is going to entirely depend on whether he takes part and comes through Friday’s training session without any issues.
James Debayo named as shock Struijk replacement for Leeds
If worse comes to worst and Struijk does miss out, it is hard to look past Ethan Ampadu dropping back into defence as the most likely option. That would then allow Ao Tanaka to make his full Leeds debut.
Max Wober would’ve been the most like-for-like replacement, but is still struggling with a knee injury and could actually be forced to undergo surgery.
In his press conference, Farke was asked about the confidence he would have in returning to the partnership of Ampadu and Joe Rodon that worked well during the second half of last season.
While admitting that is the most likely ‘solution’, Farke did also namedrop youngster James Debayo, who is yet to actually make a senior appearance for Leeds.
He said: “Yes we also have other options. I am pretty pleased at the moment for example with how James Debayo develops. Yes it is always a proper solution to play with Joe and Ethan, we don’t have to speak about them.
“They were impressive last season and we also have other good midfield options. It’s definitely a possible scenario but at the moment step by step I’m still carefully optimistic that Pascal, who was also a pretty key, important player for us in all topics.
“In the last five games we have conceded only one goal. All five games we haven’t conceded one goal when our central defenders were behind the ball. For that I’m still carefully optimistic and hopeful he will be capable to play.
“But we need to be prepared for some other solutions. It’s a pity Max is not available because he’s a quality player but if they both miss in Pascal and Max, we definitely have some solutions.”
How Joe Rodon’s partnership with Ethan Ampadu compares with Struijk
| Stat | Rodon & Struijk | Rodon & Ampadu |
| Games | 24 | 23 |
| Wins | 14 | 14 |
| Draws | 6 | 4 |
| Losses | 4 | 5 |
| Win % | 58.3% | 60.8% |
| Goals conceded | 20 | 18 |
| Goals conceded per game | 0.83 | 0.78 |
As shown by the stats, there is very little to separate these two partnerships. Crucially, the win percentage and goals conceded per game are very close.
Should Struijk be out, it certainly eases concerns about how Leeds will adapt. Having said that, the stats don’t tell the full story.
Leeds lose a lot when Ampadu is taken out of midfield, and will also miss Struijk’s natural ability on his left-side to play out from the back.
Against a physical striker like Ellis Simms, it would also be far more beneficial to have Struijk available due to his ability in the air.
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