‘Can confirm’… Daniel Farke says Leeds player’s injury has been much worse than first feared

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Pascal Struijk was a guest on Leeds United’s matchday preview show on the weekend but Daniel Farke would much rather him out on the pitch – and the boss has given an update on the defender.

Struijk, 24, has now missed seven Championship matches in a row. An adductor injury has proved to be the problem so far, with the left-footed defender expected to be out for a couple of weeks, initially.

Farke has previously said that he was a “little doubt” for the win over Cardiff – but that was six games ago. His absence has seen Ethan Ampadu cover him alongside Joe Rodon in the middle of the defence.

A partnership he praised, on Saturday before the 3-0 win over Rotherham. Ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Wales to face Swansea, Farke was asked about Struijk and he says that the defender is some way out.

Indeed, the German gaffer confirmed he does not have a timescale for the former Ajax man – and says he could be missing until the international break in March, due to the longevity of the issue he sustained.

“Difficult to say because I would like to have a timescale. Remember, the first time we spoke about his injury and we said one or two weeks – it has been pretty much two months. I can confirm there is progress, but doctors are not letting him extend load until February 20,” Farke told the club’s YouTube.

“He is having to train individually until then. Then there will be an assessment at the beginning of next week and we can get the green light. Two or three weeks, it will be a late call if he can play before the next international break. Our doctors are being careful to give him the green light to extend his load.”

Daniel Farke says Leeds’ Pascal Struijk may not return for a while

While it would have been seen as a blow a few weeks ago, the form of Ampadu has even suggested that it will be difficult for Struijk to get back in. It is not as if Leeds are lacking in midfield without Ampadu.

Ilia Gruev has come in and been incredible. The Bulgaria star has been on fire in midfield, covering the loss of Ampadu in the middle of the park. Does Struijk get back in? He will certainly get a chance.