Leeds United injuries: Patrick Bamford & Pascal Struijk update from Hull
Pascal Struijk and Patrick Bamford won’t feature for Leeds United against Hull City with respective ankle and hamstring injuries, according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist posted on X (4 January) pre-match from the MKM Stadium, after both Bamford and Struijk were absent from the starting lineup and squad named by Daniel Farke.
Bamford’s absence had already been noted before the team being named, but Struijk being in attendance had implied that the Dutchman would be fit to face United’s rivals in East Yorkshire.
Smyth said: “Patrick Bamford has a hamstring issue. Pascal Struijk an ankle problem.
“He (Struijk) had a chance for the game, hence attending but hasn’t made it.”
Pascal Struijk and Ptrick Bamford both big misses for Leeds United
Although the Whites face a Hull side languishing in the Championship relegation zone, away trips to stubborn teams keen to frustrate them have seen Farke’s side come unstuck several times this term.
Particularly with Joel Piroe – who has been criticised for his lack of impact away from home – starting up front at the MKM Stadium rather than coming off the bench, alternative options may be needed.
Mateo Joseph has been the regular pick off the bench ahead of Bamford this season, but United’s long-time number nine still possesses a unique ability to unlock teams which neither Piroe nor Joseph does.
At the back, the return of Ethan Ampadu has coincided with the Peacocks addressing their inconsistent away form in recent weeks, but he’s better able to exert his influence from midfield rather than defence.
While Ampadu will still be a more than able deputy to Struijk partnering his international team-mate Joe Rodon at the back, fingers will be crossed that the Dutchman is fit to return as soon as possible.
In other Leeds news, Farke is running out of excuses for not giving more minutes to one of his summer signings this season.
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