Leeds United are sweating over the severity of Ethan Ampadu’s setback
Leeds United are seven points clear of the play-offs with 12 games to play but Daniel Farke has insisted the race for promotion is far from over.
The Whites boss has underlined his disgruntlement at Leeds having to play three games in seven days before the international break and does not want to speak too much about his club’s top two status until the other side of the March international break.
One reason for that may be the number of injuries Farke has to contend with. He admitted that the small size of his squad means setbacks to personnel take a bigger toll as a result. He is rueing the absence of one player in particular.
Ethan Ampadu will be assessed over the next few days but his knee setback does not sound good. Farke has confirmed his captain is set to undergo surgery.
The knock could rule Ampadu out for the season, which would be a significant blow for Leeds. Farke has often championed Ampadu’s control in midfield and also his ability to shut out the opposition while operating in defence.
Ampadu missed 11 games across October and November due to a problem with his other knee. Two of United’s three league defeats this season came in that period.
Patrick Bamford
Injury: Hamstring
Patrick Bamford had originally been given a return date of late January but has still not yet returned from his hamstring setback. Earlier this month, Farke outlined how he did not expect the striker to rejoin team training until after the Sheffield United match.
The boss is expected to reveal the latest situation on Thursday. He outlined how Bamford would need a few sessions to get up to speed before being reintroduced, anyway.
Bamford had not started any of his 10 league games prior to his injury and his future at Leeds beyond the summer is unclear as a result.
Possible return date: March
Max Wober
Injury: Knee
Max Wober required another round of surgery on his knee this month, having been plagued by persistent problems with the joint. The defender – who first had surgery in September – has played just twice since December 10, albeit was named on the bench for six subsequent matches.
Farke said he was still being careful with Wober despite his matchday squad inclusions, hinting that he was not up to full fitness. The Austrian is not expected to be back available until after the March international break.
Possible return date: March 29
