20-year-old seen in senior Leeds United training ahead of Saturday clash, after new injury blow

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Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk will be missing on Saturday as we welcome Plymouth Argyle to Elland Road and ahead of the clash, Leo Hjelde has been spotted in senior training at Thorp Arch.

Struijk, 24, has been superb for Leeds this term. The Dutchman has played every single Championship minute this term, even captaining Leeds in recent matches. But, on Saturday, Struijk will be unavailable.

The defender has undergone surgery to correct a hernia issue, which has been bothering him for much of the season. He is set to be back fit after the November break. We go to Rotherham on November 24.

On Saturday, Liam Cooper is more than likely to come back into the side. He is the ready-made man to replace Struijk. But, who replaces Cooper on the bench remains to be seen. Charlie Cresswell, is likely.

Leo Hjelde spotted in Leeds training with Pascal Struijk injured

He has been in and out of the squad this season. But, he is not left-footed and Hjelde – who has also been involved in the Leeds first team this term – can play at centre-back and on the left side of defence.

Hjelde, 20, has not been involved in the first team at Leeds, in the Championship, for the last 10 games. Failing to even make the bench. It comes after a poor display in our opener, the 2-2 draw with Cardiff.

Hjelde had been involved in four of the first five league games, but has since not been seen – other than with the 21’s. But in Leeds’ latest training video, Hjelde is seen with the senior side – sporting a new trim.