Pascal Stuijk injury breakdown claim issued for Leeds United vs Middlesbrough, ‘no way’ Daniel Farke risk taken – BBC pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Pascal Struijk should start for Leeds United against Middlesbrough because there is “no way” Daniel Farke would have risked him against Swansea if he wasn’t going to be ready, says Paul Robinson.
The former Whites keeper has dismissed the risk of the “excellent” defender breaking down again after a remarkably-fast recovery from hernia surgery, and believes his start in midweek won’t stop him from being in the XI at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon (2 December).
Liam Cooper came in for the draw at Rotherham United after the international break and then himself went off with a knock, but despite three games in a week Robinson doesn’t expect another change at centre-back for the visit of Michael Carrick’s side.
The BBC Sport pundit exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “Listen, there’s that much evidence and information gathered on the player’s fitness and their health and wellbeing that there’s no way that he would have risked [Struijk v Swansea].
“Because he’s a key player this season. He’d been in and out of the side previously, playing at centre half, left back, holding midfielder, he’d never really managed to nail down a spot.
“He was culpable defensively at times, but I think under Farke he’s been excellent this season, hence the reason he’s got the captain’s armband.
“So I think the manager will assess the information that’s available to him. There’s no way they would have rushed him back when they’ve got Middlesbrough coming up, they had a tough game against Swansea.
“There’s no way the manager would have risked him against Swansea if he wasn’t thinking that he could play in the next game against Middlesbrough.
“The medical staff will have managed him through the injury and I think there’s no cause for concern unless he breaks down, and I don’t think there’s any chance of him breaking down.”
With Struijk next to Joe Rodon this season Leeds United have looked far more solid so if he is already back to full fitness it is a definite boost for Farke.
The manager has already had to manage the workload of Sam Byram at left back so it would be one less worry for the key centre back to be ready to start every game again already.
A win against Boro would put the dropped points at Rotherham well out of the team’s system so Farke needs all hands on deck for this one.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may launch a claim against the Premier League after stepping back from their threat against Everton.