Pascal Struijk appeared on Leeds United’s matchday preview program over the weekend, but Daniel Farke would much rather see him on the pitch – and the manager has provided an update on the defender.
Struijk, 24, has missed seven consecutive Championship matches. So far, an adductor injury has proven to be the issue, with the left-footed defender anticipated to miss a few weeks.
Farke earlier stated that he had a “little doubt” for the win over Cardiff, but that was six games ago. In his absence, Ethan Ampadu has been covering him alongside Joe Rodon in the middle of the defence.
Indeed, the German manager acknowledged that he does not have a timetable for the former Ajax player and that he could be out until the international break in March due to the severity of the injury he experienced.
“Difficult to say because I’d like to have a timeline. Remember, when we originally discussed his injuries, we indicated it would be one or two weeks; it has now been almost two months. “I can confirm there is progress, but doctors will not allow him to extend his load until February 20,” Farke told the club’s YouTube channel.
“He will have to train on his own till then. Then there will be an examination at the beginning of next week, after which we will be given the go-ahead. If he can play before the next international break in two or three weeks, it will be a last-minute decision. Our doctors are taking care to give him the green light to increase his workload.”
Daniel Farke says Leeds’ Pascal Struijk might not return for a long.
While it would have been considered a blow a few weeks ago, Ampadu’s form has even suggested that Struijk will have a difficult time returning. Leeds aren’t short of midfield options without Ampadu.
Ilia Gruev has come in and been magnificent. The Bulgaria star has been on fire in midfield, covering the loss of Ampadu in the heart of the park. Does Struijk get back in? He will certainly have a chance.
