Leeds United will be without a key player when they face Sunderland at Elland Road next month. The Black Cats will be traveling to West Yorkshire on Tuesday 9 April, aiming to secure a double victory over the Whites after their win in December at the Stadium of Light.
Despite both teams having three games to play before the showdown, Leeds has already confirmed that defender Pascal Struijk will miss the game due to a groin injury. Struijk, who captained the team in the first half of the season, underwent surgery during the international break and will not return for the remainder of the campaign.
Manager Daniel Farke expressed disappointment over Struijk’s situation, stating, “A decision was made. He already had his surgery last Monday, long and complicated, more than two hours, it went well. He will miss out the rest of the season.”
With Struijk out, Leeds is likely to rely on Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu as their centre-back pairing against Sunderland. However, Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell are available for selection if changes are needed in defense.
In addition to Struijk, Georginio Rutter also underwent surgery this month but is expected to recover in time for the Sunderland clash. Before facing Sunderland, Leeds will play against Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers, and Bristol City in the Championship.
