Ethan Ampadu was a surprise absentee for Leeds United on Monday night, missing out with a knee injury. But his teammates did him proud in the 3-1 win against Sheffield United.
When the team news came out on Monday night, Leeds United fans were shocked to see no Ethan Ampadu in the squad. It was soon after revealed that the Welshman has a knee injury.
A worry for Daniel Farke, no doubt, but he’ll be elated with his side’s second half performance during the 3-1 win against Sheffield United on Monday. For a second game in a row, the Whites came from behind to claim a huge win in their race for promotion.
Illan Meslier had a nightmare start to the game and scored an own goal to hand the Blades the lead at Bramall Lane. But Junior Firpo equalised in the 72nd minute and in the 89th, Ao Tanaka won the game. Joel Piroe then rifled home the third in injury time.
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Ethan Ampadu leads ‘rallying cry’ after Leeds United beat Sheffield United
Leeds’ £7m signing Ampadu watched from the stands on Monday night. But he joined his teammates for the post match celebrations on the pitch, which he brought a brief end to to give a rallying cry to the team, with promotion still not a given for Leeds United.
Although now five points clear of Sheffield United in 2nd place of the Championship table, seven ahead of Burnley in 3rd, there’s still 12 games standing between the Whites and the end of the season, and a few poor results could throw the title race wide open again.
Journalist Joe Donnohue shared the footage of Ampadu’s team huddle on X after the game, which you can watch below…
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Daniel Farke’s plans for Ethan Ampadu at Leeds United
Ampadu has been featuring at centre-back of late. But Farke doesn’t intend to use Ampadu in defence for the run in. Speaking earlier in the year, Farke suggested that Ampadu’s best position was in the centre of midfield.
He said during an injury to Pascal Struijk, that meant Ampadu was playing at centre-back: “The balance changes a little bit. I wouldn’t say it’s out our solution for the run in. He’s used to it.”
Struijk had a decent game against Sheffield United, after scoring twice in the 2-1 win against Sunderland, so expect him to keep his spot in the XI. When fit, Ampadu will bolster an already quality midfield department at Elland Road.
Up next for the Whites is a home game against West Brom on Saturday.
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