Leeds United already have perfect Pascal Struijk replacement after news
Pascal Struijk’s injury ahead of Leeds United hosting Oxford gives Daniel Farke the opportunity to bring Ethan Ampadu back into the side.
Farke confirmed in his pre-match press conference on 19 December that Struijk and fellow defender Max Wober had both missed training with separate injury issues two days out from the clash at Elland Road.
While Wober has been in and out of the side following meniscus surgery amid his return from Borussia Monchengladbach, Struijk has been ever-present, starting 21 matches and often captaining the side.
Struijk’s captaincy has been in the absence of Ampadu following his period out injured, but with the Welshman back in the fold, Farke has an easy choice to make in central defence against Oxford.
Ethan Ampadu return can provide familiar spark for Leeds United
Although Ampadu was signed by the Whites as a midfielder in 2023 and has been a first-choice pick in Farke’s double-pivot this season, his contributions in defence last term cannot be forgotten.
In a familiar scenario to what could play out on 21 October, Ampadu dropped into the back four alongside Joe Rodon following an injury to Struijk, and this change took United to new heights.
With the two Welshmen marshalling the defence, Farke’s side went on an unparalleled nine-game winning streak, equalling a club record in the process and climbing into the Championship’s top two.
Ampadu may only just be coming back from injury himself this time around, but with cameo appearances against Middlesbrough and Preston already under his belt, the 24-year-old will soon be ready to start.
That start should come at Elland Road on Saturday with Struijk and Wober’s fitness not worth risking, yet as he did last season, Ampadu in defence could prove to be a catalyst for the Peacocks to hit top gear.
In other Leeds news, club sources have responded to reports that Red Bull’s influence could be on the rise at Elland Road.
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