Leeds United star spotted on crutches at Elland Road after win v Preston
Leeds United retained their position at the top of the Championship table after a 2-1 victory against Preston North End on Saturday.
The Whites are still level on points with Burnley, although a loss for Sheffield United puts five points between the top two and third.
Nevertheless, Daniel Farke’s men will need his best players available as they look to see out the season on a high and gain promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds United delivered bad news
Farke has created a strong squad this season and that has led to a series of strong results which have seen them pushing at the top of the table.
That being said, with Karl Darlow now being the preferred option between the sticks, the boss has been forced to make some new decisions to keep his side in their strongest form.
One major blow has been an injury to Pascal Struijk, who was brought off against Luton Town, limping on his exit from the field.
Farke initially confirmed that the injury would keep him out for the games against Middlesbrough and Preston, but he will now miss the rest of the season.
Writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Graham Smyth revealed that Struijk arrived at the win over Preston on crutches, alongside Joe Rothwell.
Struijk may have played his last game for Leeds
Struijk being on crutches won’t be filling anyone inside Elland Road with any confidence over his fitness, with consistent issues popping up in recent years.
With just four games remaining this season, he will have to watch as his teammates close in on promotion.
| Leeds’ remaining games |
| Oxford United (A) |
| Stoke (H) |
| Bristol City (H) |
| Plymouth (A) |
The defender has also been linked with a move away from West Yorkshire in the summer transfer window, attracting interest from Feyenoord ahead of the season’s end.
With the Belgium-born star’s contract with Leeds expiring in 2027, this summer could be a definitive one for him as the Whites prepare for the future.
Plenty of summer business will depend on which league Leeds find themselves in next season but if this was how Struijk’s time at Elland Road ended, it would not feel very fitting.