Ethan Ampadu out until January in crushing new Leeds United injury blow

Ethan Ampadu is expected to be out of team training for 10 weeks after suffering an injury in Leeds United versus Coventry City on Saturday (30 September).

Daniel Farke has confirmed the midfield star has damaged his lateral ligament, having been substituted after 41 minutes as the Whites beat Coventry 3-0 at Elland Road.

The 24-year-old has started all seven of Leeds’ Championship matches so far, having also played 46 league games for Farke during the 2023/24 campaign.

Speaking in his press conference, quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post [30 September], Farke said: “A few things we have to speak about. Ethan, it’s a serious knee injury, he’s damaged his lateral ligament.

“The doctors have recommended conservative treatment so doesn’t need surgery, but it’s difficult to predict how long he’ll be out. Ten weeks until he’s back in team training.”

Leeds United handed crucial injury blow by Ethan Ampadu

This is the last thing Farke needed as Leeds look to gain promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

They were incredibly close to achieving the feat last season, narrowly missing out to Southampton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Ampadu was a vital part of Leeds’ season last time out, only sitting on the bench for one game out of the entire campaign, including FA Cup and EFL Cup matches.

The news will come as a huge blow for both club and country, with the newly captained midfielder also becoming an integral part of Wales’ squad at international level.

Leeds United star Ethan Ampadu
Credit: Imago

Luckily for Farke, new signing Ao Tanaka looks to have been a very smart purchase during the summer transfer window, coming on to replace the injured star and quickly settling into life at Elland Road.

The manager will want Ampadu to return as quickly as possible, with Leeds just two points off the top of the Championship table, but it will be important not to rush him back to the starting XI too soon.

In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke can no longer rely on one of his players after what was said recently.

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