Pascal Struijk set for possible Leeds United start vs Swansea City after ‘remarkable’ development – Phil Hay
Phil Hay has predicted that Pascal Struijk could be set for a return to the Leeds United starting XI after a “remarkable” recovery to be involved at Rotherham.
The Athletic journalist said on The Square Ball on 27 November that the 24-year-old, and fellow defender Sam Byram, being fit to be named in the squad for the 1-1 at the New York Stadium was a major surprise in light of Daniel Farke’s prognosis in his pre-match press conference, and he now “can’t be far away” from starting.
Struijk came off the bench for Liam Cooper in the game while Georginio Rutter was an even more unexpected starter after a injury concern of his own, and Hay has suggested the centre-back might be ready to go from the start against Swansea City in midweek (29 November), while the star forward should also be closer to 100%
Hay said for the midweek visit of Swansea (18m 10s): “Perhaps a few players who are a bit more able to offer a bit more. Rutter you would think, or you would hope anyway, will be more recovered than he necessarily was on Friday night.
“Struijk I would suspect can’t be far away from coming back into the team. It was quite remarkable actually that him and Byram were in contention for that game on Friday.
“When we spoke last week the indications had been that they wouldn’t have a chance.”
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It was a boost for Rutter to make the starting XI last week as it was his key pass that freed Crysencio Summerville up for the early Leeds United opener.
But he did appear short of full fitness as an increasing slog of a game wore on following Rotherham’s sucker-punch equaliser right before half time.
A number of players failed to shower themselves in glory for that goal, with Junior Firpo starting his first game of the season in place of Byram at left-back singled out for criticism already.
The back line had been a surprising strength this season as Farke settled on a four of Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Struijk and Byram, so while it might be harsh to level too much criticism at either Firpo or Liam Cooper for the draw it would certainly be preferable if the first-choice options were ready for selection.
On the whole the Whites are still looking good despite the disappointing result on the return from the international break.
Allowing for Rotherham’s lowly league position that match was arguably always going to be a struggle when travelling away under the lights on a Friday with so little training time since the Championship disruption.
A home game against the Swans, with former players Joel Piroe and Dan James in the side, is surely a prime opportunity to get back to winning ways, and positive fitness developments for the likes of Rutter, Struijk and Byram would greatly assist in that.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit is concerned by a 49ers move behind the scenes that could leave the club in a similar mess to Manchester United.