Leeds United: Ethan Ampadu team news update v Sunderland at Elland Road
Ethan Ampadu has been named in the Leeds United squad to take on Sunderland on April 9, according to LeedsLive.
Leeds sit third in the Championship table with just five games left of a pulsating season which is set to go right down to the wire, and the ever-present Ampadu has been included in a 22-player squad ahead of the match against the Black Cats.
In his press conference ahead of the match at Elland Road on 9 April, Leeds manager Daniel Farke revealed that Ampadu had been battling illness over the past 48 hours and there was a big question mark over his fitness, but his selection in the squad implies that he’s got a chance to feature.
Ethan Ampadu update at Leeds United
As the fulcrum of a defensive unit which conceded zero open play goals during Leeds’ 13-game unbeaten run before the most recent international break, Ampadu’s switch into midfield – following Ilia Gruev’s injury – broke up his partnership with Wales team-mate Joe Rodon.
Captain Liam Cooper’s return to centre-back didn’t produce the same synergy, and Leeds were 2-1 down within the first 45 minutes on Good Friday against Watford; both of the Hornets’ goals coming in open play.
Therefore, it’s clear to see why Farke and fans alike are hoping Ampadu overcomes his illness to partner Rodon in the back four, even if the Whites were twice caught out defensively in their first league defeat of 2024 at Coventry on 6 April.
Ampadu’s absence would likely see Cooper or Charlie Cresswell return to the defence, adding pressure on the shoulders of midfield duo Gruev and Glen Kamara, neither of whom are 100% fit.
With Connor Roberts and Wilfried Gnonto likely to be on the bench, but not yet ready to play 90 minutes, Farke is faced with the same toss of a coin to decide whether Ampadu, his go-to captain minus Cooper and Pascal Struijk, can be risked in the same way.
In other Leeds United news, Brenden Aaronson has spoken about a permanent transfer exit.
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