Leeds’ Ethan Ampadu injury update provided by journalist as recovery continues

Leeds United suffered a significant blow with Ethan Ampadu injured midway through the match against Coventry City on September 28. Moreover, a new update reveals the approach the Whites will take with their captain.

The Yorkshire side dodged a significant setback, as Ampadu’s injury turned out to be to his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) rather than the more severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which could have sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season. According to Joe Donnohue of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the news confirms that it’s not as severe as initially feared.

Ampadu is expected to be out for the rest of the year, with reports suggesting a possible return in early 2025. Leeds will have to cope without their captain for now, and Ao Tanaka stepped up in his absence, making his first start for the club in last Tuesday’s match against Norwich City.

How are Leeds approaching Ethan Ampadu’s injury?

The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth revealed the latest regarding the 24-year-old’s recovery process as the player and club likely target a return in January 2025. Nonetheless, Leeds doesn’t intend to rush the player back if he’s not ready.

“The Whites have been hit by an early-season injury crisis, with the loss to knee injuries of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Max Wober,” Smyth wrote. “Both Wober and Gruev required surgery for their meniscus problems, with the latter expected to be out for months rather than the six week recovery period predicted for Wober.

“Ampadu was advised by doctors that a conversative approach to treatment would suffice but he will be missing until January at the earliest.”

The upcoming international break will be crucial for Wales as they figure out how to cope without Ampadu, while Leeds face their midfield challenges with Ilia Gruev sidelined due to a knee injury from last Tuesday’s game against Norwich City.

After facing Sunderland, Leeds will get a brief rest for some of their players during the FIFA international break. However, with other players heading off for national team duty, the risk of further injuries could add to their current problems, so many supporters will have their fingers crossed.