‘Bad news’… Daniel Farke says key Leeds player is injured and may need surgery

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Daniel Farke has told Thursday’s press conference – as per Leeds United’s YouTube – that Pascal Struijk will miss his first game of the season on Saturday after being sent to London for a hernia op.

Struijk, 24, has been superb for Leeds this season. He has started all 15 Championship matches, and scored three goals in all competitions. The left side of central defence is his position to lose right now.

The Dutch defender has even captained Leeds over the last few weeks and is arguably one of the first names on the team sheet. VI reporter Suleyman Ozturk even suggested Tottenham should sign him.

But for the final game ahead of the November international break, Farke says Struijk will miss his first game of the season. He has endured pains around his hernia and has been sent to London for surgery.

“Some bad news with Pascal Struijk. He will miss the game on Saturday. In recent weeks he has had growing issues with his hernia, after the last game – real pain. So we decided to send him to London.

“For assessment, treatement and a little surgery. Not too bad, he will definitely miss this game but we hope to have him back after the international break. But it is too early to speak about a time frame.”

Daniel Farke: Pascal Struijk to miss first Leeds game of season

A huge blow. Struijk has been a crucial element to Farke’s side this season, playing every minute of the Championship campaign. He has been superb, a key part of a near-perfect relationship at centre-back.

Him and Joe Rodon are getting the best out of eachother. But now, Liam Cooper is more than likely to come in to the side, ahead of Plymouth. Charlie Cresswell is expected to come in to the squad, too.