Leeds United have suffered another unfortunate blow as they push to win the Championship this season.
Injuries have been the main cause of Leeds’ problems this season. Heading into this campaign, Daniel Farke was starting with an already depleted squad. And just months into the season, he lost two of his key players in midfield. Illia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu were ruled out for months and only returned at the end of 2024.
Since the start of the year, the Whites have had some stability. Farke has guided his team to the top of the Championship with five games remaining. It will be a straight shootout between three teams for the two automatic promotion places.
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Leeds United star ruled out for the season
Leeds are level on points with Burnley, and Sheffield United are just a few points behind in third place. Heading into these weekend, all three have crucial games. Burnley play first on Friday night, while Leeds and Sheffield United kick off early on Saturday. Clarets boss Scott Parker has complained about the advantage his rivals have due to the schedule.
💬 𝗗𝗙 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀: “Pascal, I can confirm his season is over, he doesn’t need surgery but will be out for 10 weeks. Joe Rothwell still out and Dan James (hamstring) will be unavailable for Preston and it will be a tight race for Easter. Sam Chambers is also out ill.” pic.twitter.com/v0aVnU4MDs
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 11, 2025
Ahead of the Preston game, Daniel Farke has delivered some devastating news. Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has been ruled out for the season. Stuijk picked up a foot injury against Luton, and it has now been confirmed he is out for the rest of the campaign.
Farke said: “We have obviously our injured players. With Struijk, today I can confirm his season is over,”
“It’s a fracture in his foot. Thankfully he doesn’t need surgery but he will be out for ten weeks.”
Dan James will also miss this weekend’s game. With Struijk out, there are two main options to replace him.
Ethan Ampadu
Credit: Imago Images
Ampadu has filled in for Struijk since the Luton game. Even though the midfielder is more comfortable in his natural position, he is ready to play at the heart of defence when called upon. He will be the most likely option to end the season.
Maximilian Wöber
Credit: Imago Images
At some point in this season, the Austrian will be called upon. The defender has been largely inactive since January. But with five games to go, anything can happen. Leeds will benefit from having Wober in reserve.
