Daniel Farke has perfect Ethan Ampadu solution after Leeds United injury update
Leeds United started their Premier League season in dream fashion by beating Everton 1-0 on Monday evening at Elland Road.
While the penalty was dubious, points are points, and that is all that will matter to Daniel Farke and his men as they battle relegation.
However, Leeds will have to do without star man Ethan Ampadu for several matches following the news that he will be out until after the international break.
With such a significant place to fill, the German does have the ideal candidate waiting in the wings for action.
Daniel Farke names Ethan Ampadu replacements for Leeds United
Ampadu drew the plaudits for Leeds as he delivered an instrumental performance in the hub of their midfield against Everton.
The Welshman captained the Whites in their Premier League opener and dictated the play from defensive midfield.
However, Ampadu was substituted off in the 78th minute, with his manager confirming he suffered some bruising following a challenge from Tim Iroegbunam.
| Ampadu’s statistics vs Everton | Total |
| Minutes played | 78 |
| Touches | 72 |
| Accurate passes | 50/62 (81%) |
| Ground duels (won) | 5 (4) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 3 (2) |
| Tackles | 3 |
While there was hope that Ampadu would be fit to play Arsenal, Farke has now confirmed that he will miss the next two games.
The German is not short of options, though, and named several possible solutions in his latest press conference.
“Anton Stach can play there, and Ilia Gruev – he had a good pre-season. Ao Tanaka can also play here. Sean Longstaff. All interpret the role quite differently,” said Farke.
“We don’t need to sugarcoat it – Ethan is [a big miss].”
Read more: What games Ethan Ampadu will miss for Leeds United after crushing injury news
Sean Longstaff should replace Ethan Ampadu for Arsenal clash
With Everton now a memory, the Yorkshire club must now focus on a different beast, Arsenal.
The Gunners started their Premier League campaign with a win at Manchester United, but did not lay down any markers with their performance.
However, Mikel Arteta knows how to guard a lead, and if they score first, then clawing back any point will prove near impossible.
That is why Longstaff, rather than Gruev, should be given the nod for the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Newcastle United man has more Premier League appearances than almost all of Farke’s squad and has a previous record of beating the North London outfit.
Longstaff is a dynamic, high-energy midfielder who can press, cover ground, and support attacks, which would be invaluable.
Leeds will have to do long periods of defending, and while he may not play the full 90 minutes, he has the discipline to follow Ampadu’s lead.
- Longstaff has 172 Premier League appearances to his name
- He has beaten Arsenal multiple times with Newcastle
- Has the energy to perform for long spells out of possession
As for Gruev, he can control defensive spaces, keep things tidy, and protect the back line, meaning he is also a solid option.
However, given Longstaff’s top-flight experience, he should be given the nod in what should be a tough game.
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