Leeds United have officially confirmed that Pascal Struijk, their reliable centre-back, has recently undergone surgery to address an adductor injury that has kept him out of action since Boxing Day. This unfortunate setback comes at a crucial juncture in the season, with only eight games remaining as Leeds continue their pursuit of automatic promotion. The timing couldn’t be worse for the Whites, as they gear up for a busy Easter weekend.
Despite Struijk’s absence from the pitch, Leeds managed to secure an impressive run of 12 wins in 2024. However, the talismanic defender’s injury escalated following his goal-scoring contribution in the Boxing Day defeat. This led to a decision for surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
In Struijk’s absence, midfielder Ethan Ampadu has admirably stepped up to the challenge, filling in at centre-back. Though Ampadu has performed well in an unfamiliar position, the lack of depth in the squad remains a cause for concern. With Ampadu now forced to adapt to the defensive role, any further injuries or setbacks could potentially pose a significant risk to Leeds’ promotion aspirations.
The responsibility now falls on Ampadu to continue to perform at a high level and provide stability in the backline as Leeds navigate the final matches of the season. As Struijk begins his road to recovery and eyes a return for pre-season, the team will be eagerly anticipating having their key defender back in action for the future challenges that lie ahead.
