Leeds United ‘given major Ethan Ampadu hope’ after what Sky reporter’s been told
Leeds United have been given some fresh hope over the fitness of Ethan Ampadu.
The Wales international was absent from the Whites’ squad for the trip to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday (24 February).
Daniel Farke’s side were still able to secure a win to send them five points clear at the top of the Championship but it was still a blow to lose the 24-year-old.
Now an update has been shared over the fitness of the versatile defender, who has already dealt with a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Ampadu likely to require surgery after Leeds United injury
The former Chelsea youngster was forced off earlier in the campaign against Coventry City and was ultimately ruled out for three months.
Since returning, the Welshman has inspired his side towards the top of the table, with a place in the Premier League now looking likely.
As a result, it could prove to be damaging to lose Ampadu for upcoming fixtures as the Whites look to see out their place in the automatic promotion places.
Now Keith Downie has shared an update via Sky Sports News on Thursday (27 February,1:54pm), live from Leeds’ Thorp Arch training HQ, which could give fans some sort of hope.
He said: “Farke said after the win against Sheffield United that it’s likely he’ll need surgery, so it’ll be interesting to hear from Farke today if that’s the case.
“Just as I was arriving here at the training ground, one of my colleagues spotted Ampadu outside in the car park and he appeared to be moving pretty freely.
“I don’t know if that means things are possibly not as bad as they first seemed. But the last we heard is that he requires surgery.”
Farke must rely on squad after Ampadu injury concern
Against the Blades, Leeds looked solid at the back for large parts, with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk starting together at the back.
It is safe to say that the influence of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev in front of the backline is certainly something to rely on defensively.
There is no doubt that this duo are good enough to help see out the remaining 12 games of the season, but that doesn’t mean Ampadu won’t be a miss.
The Welshman has been excellent since signing in LS11 and his influence has certainly helped push Farke’s side up the Championship.
| Stat | Ethan Ampadu |
| Successful passes | 1278 |
| Pass accuracy | 89.3% |
| Duels won | 104 |
| Recoveries | 96 |
| Dribble success rate | 80% |
He would have been hopeful of having a telling impact in winning promotion but now that doesn’t appear to be the case, which is of course frustrating.
Fans will have to wait and see whether the number four can return before the end of the season or if his race is run.