Daniel Farke to make ‘surprise’ change after Leeds United injury blow
Paul Robinson has backed Josuha Guilavogui to step up in Pascal Struijk’s absence following a new crushing injury blow at Leeds United.
Daniel Farke has confirmed the Dutch centre-back could be unavailable for up to three months with a new hamstring issue, unable to face Sheffield Wednesday in the last match at Elland Road.
In his absence, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu paired up, much like last season, but the true answer could lie with 34-year-old Guilavogui, who played in defence against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “It’s a big blow, especially being the vice-captain. But Ampadu has come back into the team, and he’s one of the best footballers in the Championship – such a clever brain and versatile player.
“He can go back into the centre of defence, alongside Joe Rodon, but they are a little bit light in that area. Guilavogui played there in the FA Cup against Harrogate, which was a surprise to me.
“When the teamsheets came out, none of us had Guilavogui at centre-back, and I know it was only against a League Two side, but he did okay. So I think that would be the manager’s choice, that is if Ampadu or Rodon were missing over the next few weeks.
“With Pascal Struijk out, it’s obviously a big blow, but the squad can cope for a couple of weeks.”
Josuha Guilavogui the answer to Leeds United injury blow?
While the Frenchman is naturally a midfielder, his defensive attributes would allow for Ampadu to remain in midfield, where he is far more effective against Championship opposition.
Guilavogui has experience all over Europe, playing for the likes of Atletico Madrid, Saint-Etienne, Wolfsburg and Mainz before coming to Elland Road to help Leeds plug any holes in the squad.
That is exactly what he can be used for now if Struijk is set to be sidelined with another major injury, though Farke is much more likely to stick with the tried-and-tested rather than experiment.
In other Leeds United news, Largie Ramazani avoided a “disastrous” moment after what he did against Sheffield Wednesday.
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