Daniel Farke provides Ethan Ampadu training timeline at Leeds United
Ethan Ampadu is expected to be available again in December with an eye on returning to training in two weeks, according to boss Daniel Farke.
The 24-year-old has been out of action since the end of September due to suffering a knee injury in his side’s home win against Coventry.
Ao Tanaka has come into the team and done well to cover for the injured club captain, but having both midfielders available for selection will provide competition in the side and give the boss a welcome headache over selection.
Speaking in a news conference ahead of Sunday’s (24 November) trip to Swansea City, Farke said via Leeds United’s official X account [22 November]: “It looks good so far but again, he is in the final stages of his rehab, has not trained with the team so far and also won’t train during next week with the team.
“By the way, we don’t have too many training sessions together, but perhaps pretty soon then afterwards he can hopefully join us and will be a big boost for us of course.”
Ampadu returning to Leeds United squad will give Farke a big decision
Farke clearly feels very positive about the rehab of his captain so far and is looking forward to having him available for selection again soon.
The midfielder has proven to be a fan favourite and has shown his ability to perform consistently for Leeds.
However, since coming into the side to cover for him, Tanaka has made a great impact on the team and his midfield partnership with Joe Rothwell has really worked for the Whites, allowing them to pose a strong attacking threat in the team.
Therefore, the Leeds boss will have a big decision to make when it comes to team selection when Ampadu is available for his side again, and he will have to assess whether to rock the boat and make a change or to keep a key player out on the bench for the time being.
Nevertheless, this is a positive update on the midfielder’s recovery and a selection dilemma is always a good problem for a manager to have.
No doubt both players will provide Leeds with the quality they need over the season to reach their aim of promotion.
As long as Farke continues to start Tanaka, bright things will likely lie ahead for both parties. It could be a decision that gets Leeds promoted.
In other Leeds news, this academy star could prove to be the Crysencio Summerville successor at Elland Road.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.