Leeds United went into the international break at the summit of the Championship table but their grip at the top has loosend following a run of just two wins in five. The Whites need to come out of the break stronger and attack the final eight games of the season in a positive frame of mind and Daniel Farke has received a major boost in terms of one of his star men returning to fitness.
The Whites are on 80 points but Sheffield United are also on the same tally with Burnley following them closely, just two points behind. It is needless to say the automatic promotion race has gotten tighter.
Leeds United are facing some questions about their durability and the spectre of again going into the playoffs is looming large if they continue to slide after the break.
However, Leeds have received some early good news on the fitness of one of their most important players who they have missed in recent games.
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu closing in on getting fit again
Ampadu has missed the last five games due to a knee injury and his calming presence in the middle of the park has been sorely missed in the last couple of weeks.
Leeds took a gamble by not putting him through surgery, which would have ruled him out for the rest of the season, and opted for rest and recovery in order to get him back for the last few games of the season.
The Whites have been closely monitoring his fitness and it seems their gamble is set to pay off with the Welshman now expected to return to fitness soon.
Sky Sports reporter Geraint Hughes was speaking from the Wales training camp and revealed the midfielder is now closing in on recovering from his knee issue.
“[Ampadu] has had an absolutely stellar season”, he said via MOT Leeds News.
“However, it’s been affected by a serious injury, which I understand he’s not too far away from getting back to fitness from.”
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Ampadu has been a stellar player since he joined Leeds in 2023 and was the natural choice to become the club captain when Liam Cooper left the club last summer.
A knee injury kept him out for a couple of months earlier in the season as well but he battled back and regained his place in the team despite competition for places.
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If Ampadu is fit and available after the international break, it will turn the tide in Leeds’ favour again as his leadership on the pitch has been sorely missed in recent games.
The Welshman’s presence just provides Leeds more control and poise in the middle oft the park and his return will certainly energise his teammates for the business end of the season.
