Alan Brazil shares Leeds United verdict after latest injury developments live on air
Alan Brazil insists that Leeds United are playing with plenty of passion despite recent injury blows at Elland Road.
Ethan Ampadu is now sidelined for 10 weeks and Daniel Farke confirmed that Ilia Gruev does not look good after the 1-1 draw against Norwich on 1 October [Yorkshire Evening Post].
Largie Ramazani scored the equaliser at Carrow Road, with the rarely-seen Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka finishing as the midfield pairing for Farke.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (2 October, 06:09), Brazil reacted to what he has seen from the Whites.
“Leeds have lost a few good players you know,” he said. “They play with a lot of passion”.
Leeds United need Ao Tanaka to step up
Going into the 2024/25 season, it was evident that Leeds were going to be light in terms of depth in defensive midfield and centre-back.
While Ampadu’s injury would’ve been enough to impact the club, the fact that Gruev now has an issue feels like the Whites have just been shot while they’re already down.
Indeed, two defensive midfielders were brought in over the summer with Tanaka’s purchase being deemed a “bargain” by those close to him [The Athletic, 5 September].
While the Japan international would’ve likely wanted to be given his chance under different circumstances, he now has the chance to prove to Farke that he deserves a starting role.
The club have lost some defensive stability with their injuries but the partnership of Rothwell and Tanaka could provide the West Yorkshire outfit with something they haven’t seen thus far.
Gruev’s return date isn’t yet known but after Farke’s comments following the game, it seems as if Leeds’ fans will be treated to a new-look partnership for the foreseeable future [Beren Cross, 1 October].
In other Leeds news, the Whites have made a decision on the future of their Adidas shirt sponsorship.
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