The FIFA international window couldn’t come at a better time for Leeds United, which has endured injury blows to its midfield this past week. Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev have suffered injuries, and one pundit believes it’s time to worry for the Whites.
Ampadu will be out for the rest of 2024, and early January appears to be the target month for a return. Meanwhile, Gruev has yet to be given a timetable for making his way back to the starting 11, but both players are dealing with knee issues.
As a result, Leeds could be cautious, understanding that rushing them back could result in them hurting themselves again. Recently, manager Daniel Farke shared their stance on whether they plan on pursuing a free agent to add more depth to the midfield and noted what needs to happen for Leeds to sign a free agent.
“If I’m honest, I’m not a big believer in doing signings in October, but let’s see,” Farke said. “So first of all, we wait a little bit and hope for a positive outcome from the scan of Ilia and if there’s really a shocking diagnosis and he is out for months, then of course, we have a look on it, but I can’t confirm that we would do then something so then everything would come together – otherwise just a waste of money and a waste of energy.”
Pundit worries about Leeds’ midfield depth
On the latest episode of BBC’s 72+ Podcast, Jobi McAnuff expressed his concern about Leeds’ midfield, suggesting it could be a significant issue for Farke. He’s curious to see how the team manages without Ampadu and Gruev.
“Yeah, for sure, I think, particularly in that midfield area, which is obviously his preferred position and where he’s gone back into this season. With Gruev as well having gone off very early in the game, that is going to be a real area of concern at Leeds United.
“Obviously lost Kamara and Archie Gray in the summer, that is probably the one area where you look at that squad and feel if they were to get one or two, which they have got now, they are going to be really stretched. Really interesting to see how that plays out in the coming weeks.”
