Huge news confirmed ahead of the crucial clash Leeds United have in the Championship run-in with five games to go.
After bouncing back to winning ways against Middlesbrough midweek, the Whites are full of confidence ahead of this weekend. Leeds take on Preston in the early kick off on Saturday. Depending on Burnley’s result against Norwich on Friday night, the pressure could be on Daniel Farke’s side by the time they kick off on Saturday.
Leeds will play at the same time as Sheffield United who are also in the promotion race. The Whites sit top of the table level on points with Burnley, Sheffield United are lurking in third place – two points behind both teams.
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Daniel Farke confirms Leeds United absences this weekend
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Before Friday, Farke revealed that Dan James would not be ready in time to face Preston. The winger pulled up with a hamstring problem and was substituted as a precaution midweek. Saturday’s game comes a bit too early for the Welshman.
In Friday’s press conference, three more absentees have been confirmed. Daniel Farke has come out to officially rule out Pascal Struijk for the rest of the season. Struijk picked up a foot injury weeks ago and was set to undergo a scan to confirm the extent of it. It has now been revealed he will be out for 10 weeks, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
🎙️ Daniel Farke talks to the press ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Preston https://t.co/xjmo2o8oy1
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 11, 2025
Youngster Sam Chambers will also miss the game and Joe Rothwell continues his spell on the sidelines.
“We have obviously our injured players. With Struijk, today I can confirm his season is over,” said Farke. “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 game with a hamstring issue. It will be a tight race for next weekend. And Sam Chambers is ill. All the other players – except Rothwell – are available.”
Preston also have Sam Greenwood ruled out, as he is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Huge blow for the Whites
Losing Dan James who has been the club’s top scorer in their last six games is already a huge blow. Now Struijk has been ruled out for the season. He has been one of the best defenders in the Championship this year. Leeds have kept 22 clean sheets this season, and Struijk has been a big part of that. His leadership in the backline will sorely be missed.
