Leeds United have a huge opportunity to get their season back on track when Tottenham visit Elland Road on Saturday. Daniel Farke’s side desperately needs a positive result after a difficult run of league fixtures, and the atmosphere around the club could do with a lift.
But the manager has another issue to consider ahead of the weekend. Leeds have an important run of fixtures coming up after the international break, and losing one of their most influential players for a key match would be a significant setback.
Farke will want his strongest possible team available, particularly for the trip to London later this month. However, one booking on Saturday could leave him without a key figure for that assignment.
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Ampadu one booking away from suspension
Ethan Ampadu is walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of Tottenham’s visit. The Leeds captain has already collected four yellow cards in the Premier League this season and will receive an automatic one-match suspension if he picks up another.
That would rule him out of Leeds’ meeting with Chelsea on November 21, leaving Farke without one of his most important players for a difficult away fixture.
Ampadu’s importance to this side is difficult to overstate. He provides protection in front of the defence, helps Leeds retain their shape and brings leadership that is particularly valuable during difficult spells. His ability to operate in different midfield roles also gives Farke tactical flexibility.
The timing is far from ideal. Leeds need a strong performance against Tottenham, but they will also be conscious that another yellow card could have consequences beyond Saturday’s result.
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Should Farke take Ampadu off early or play him for 90 minutes?
Farke faces a genuine selection dilemma. One option would be to substitute Ampadu before the final stages if Leeds are in a position to do so, reducing the risk of him picking up a booking.
However, taking off the captain simply to protect him for a future fixture carries its own dangers. Tottenham are a difficult opponent, and Leeds cannot afford to weaken their midfield unnecessarily when they need points.
There is also no guarantee that an early substitution would prevent a booking. Ampadu could be cautioned early, leaving Farke with little control.
The alternative is to trust his captain to manage the game and play him for the full 90 minutes, accepting the possibility of suspension. Ampadu is too important to Leeds to be treated as someone who can easily be replaced.
Ultimately, Farke must prioritise the game in front of him. Chelsea will be important, but Leeds need a result against Tottenham first. If Ampadu is booked, losing him for the Chelsea fixture would be a major blow, but leaving him out or withdrawing him prematurely could create problems of its own.
