Leeds United: Phil Hay shares Pascal Struijk injury update from Thorp Arch
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk may not return from an adductor injury until after the international break, as shared by Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist shared Daniel Farke’s update (12 February) on the Dutch defender in his pre-match press conference ahead of the 13 February clash against Swansea.
Struijk last played for the Whites back in December, scoring in the 2-1 loss against Preston North End on Boxing Day and has been nursing an adductor injury since then and may not be back until after the international break in March.
Hay wrote: “Farke indicating that Struijk might not return until after the next international break, because of his extended absence to this point.
“There have been some good scans but at the moment, our doctors are careful to give the green light.”
Blow for Farke but Leeds have coped well in Pascal Struijk absence
Struijk has been a regular under Farke whenever fit this season, making 23 league appearances thus far.
He has scored three goals and defensively too has been incredible – becoming one of the Whites’ most important first-team players.
In his absence, Liam Cooper and Ethan Ampadu have partnered Joe Rodon at centre-back for Leeds and they’ve been pretty impressive without the Dutchman, recording six clean sheets since then in all competitions.
Struijk’s absence will be a tremendous blow for any team but it is safe to say the Whites have been tremendous without him and that’s the going rate for being a top-end side in any division – that you have very capable alternatives when faced with an injury dilemma.
Rodon has featured admirably without his defensive partner while Ampadu has been incredible and has found his centre-back role with his Welsh counterpart a breath of more fresh air in what’s been a tremendous first campaign at Elland Road.
Cooper while he may be on his last stretch at the club has also proven a capable understudy to Struijk and then there’s the option of rarely-seen Charlie Cresswell who is still waiting for game-time under Farke but still represents an exciting option should the defensive position come under attack with injuries.
Struijk may face another month out or so, but the Whites are in very safe hands while he’s not there.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims that the Whites are seriously considering acceptable offers for one player with a new signing on the cards.
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