Joe Rodon makes ‘massive’ Ethan Ampadu admission as Leeds United captain misses Wales camp
Joe Rodon has admitted that Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu’s absence will be a huge loss for Wales during this international break.
Ampadu, 24, sustained a knee ligament injury during the Whites’ 3-0 Championship victory over Coventry City on 28 September, sidelining him at least until January
This is also a huge blow for Wales, who face Iceland and Montenegro in the UEFA Nations League on Friday (11 October) and Monday (14 October) respectively.
Rodon is already feeling a void in the Wales camp, having struck up a friendship with the Leeds United skipper since their arrival at Elland Road last year.
“It’s weird because over the last year and a half, I’ve been with Ethan [Ampadu] every step of the way”, Rodon was quoted as saying by Yahoo Sport.
“It’s a lot quieter not having him here but I’m sure, the strong person he is, that he will recover quite quickly.
“He is the anchor of the team, the protection. He sniffs out danger and sees things that others don’t see.
“He’s got tremendous ability with both feet, the way he plays the ball.
“He’s stepped into that leader role quite well and everyone knows what type of character he is.
“He’s going to be a massive loss but we have a squad.”
Leeds United are stretched thin in midfield
To add to Leeds United’s woes, Ilia Gruev picked up a serious knee injury during the team’s 1-1 draw against Norwich City on 1 October.
With two of his defensive midfielders ruled out, Daniel Farke is now stretched thin in the middle of the park.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell played in a double pivot in Leeds’ 2-2 draw against Sunderland last Friday (4 October).
However, an injury to either of them could put the Yorkshire-based club in deep trouble.
Nevertheless, Leeds United remain relaxed and do not have immediate plans to replace Ampadu in the January transfer window.
The international break has come at a good time for the Elland Road outfit as it gives them time to manage the injury situation.
Farke, though, will be hopeful that the likes of Rodon return from international duty unscathed ahead of the upcoming busy schedule.
Leeds host Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United at home in their next Championship game on 18 October.
In other Leeds United news, Don Goodman has made an “arrogant” claim after summer exits from Elland Road.
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