Leeds United exclusive: Ethan Ampadu return update emerges
Leeds United made the sensible move given how they dealt with Ethan Ampadu's injury, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that opting to not go ahead with knee surgery gives him a chance to return before the end of the season.
The Whites captain last featured in the 2-1 victory against Sunderland on 17 February.
Leeds and Ethan Ampadu face risk of intense surgery down the line
While the club's behind-the-scenes decision is not something that raises red flags, there is a slim possibility of things going wrong and if things don't, he may be expected back in April.
The worst-case scenario is that it could lead to further cartilage damage that would require more invasive surgery down the line.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Dr Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Scientist, said about Ampadu: "The club opted against going in for knee surgery and have gone down the alternative rehab route.
"Risks here are that he aggravates it further, which leads to more cartilage damage and therefore more invasive surgery.
"The worst case would be just that.
"It makes sense to me because surgery would for sure rule him out for the season.
"This gives him a chance to play and he could be targeting a return in April."
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk expected to be the go-to centre-back pairing
Daniel Farke will turn to Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk as his primary centre-back pairing in the Championship and they were the ones who started the 1-1 draw against West Brom on 1 March.
This duo, already familiar with each other from last season’s promotion push, becomes critical as Leeds aim to maintain their promotion charge.
Farke will expect Rodon, a commanding presence with a good distribution ability, to anchor the defence with his composure and distribution, initiating attacks from the back.
| Championship 2024/25 | Appearances | Passes (Accuracy) | Tackles won | Duels won |
| Ethan Ampadu | 21 | 1278 (89.3%) | 21 | 104 |
Struijk will also be relied upon for his progressive passing and his aerial dominance, providing balance and stability.
Together, they’ll need to replicate the resilience Ampadu brought, ensuring clean sheets while under pressure.
Although Dr Brar expects an April return from the Welshman, the Whites need to focus on the March and getting the results.
With Max Wober also out injured, Farke will demand consistency and leadership from Rodon and Struijk to keep the Whites atop the table.