News of Pascal Struijk’s injury certainly dominated Daniel Farke’s press conference ahead of Leeds United’s Yorkshire derby clash on Sunday afternoon.
Farke confirms that the Leeds captain will be missing for somewhere between three and 12 weeks after undergoing a scan on a muscle injury.
As such, Pascal Struijk has played his final game in January. The Leeds United fanbase will be praying their skipper is back to full match fitness sooner rather than later, too, with potentially crucial clashes with promotion rivals Sunderland and Sheffield United coming up a month from now.
But Daniel Farke was not merely a bearer of bad news during his Friday press conference.
The former Norwich City chief says that, while Patrick Bamford is making ‘progress’ in attempted return from yet another injury, Leeds should have Joel Piroe back as they prepare to host Danny Rohl’s Owls at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke has Joel Piroe back as Leeds United suffer Pascal Struijk blow
Piroe missed Leeds’ 1-0 FA Cup victory over Harrogate Town last weekend. The luckless Bamford, meanwhile, was also unavailable for that thrilling 3-3 draw with Hull City on January 4th.
“Patrick is making some progress in his rehab,” Farke tells reporters. “Joel is back in team training. He is fully fit and available, no problems at al.
“All the other player came through the load really well.”
Sunday’s clash with mid-table Sheffield Wednesday is likely to come too soon for Bamford. As such, Piroe could get the nod to start up top.
Farke also has the option of introducing Mateo Joseph from the off, while playing the former PSV Eindhoven and Swansea City man in a deeper role should he opt to give Brenden Aaronson a rest.
“We have a few options there [in the number ten position],” Farke adds while leaving the door open for Leeds to potentially bring in Alvyn Sanches from Lausanne Sport. “Piroe can play there. We will stay awake to [transfer opportunities].”
Max Wober times return well as Struijk faces potential three-month lay-off
Farke believe Willy Gnonto could be an option to start as a striker, while Manor Solomon played in a more central role against fourth-tier Harrogate last time out.
The Leeds boss will also be relieved to have Max Wober available following a spell on the sidelines for the Austrian international. Wober, a natural left-footer, appears the most obvious replacement for Struijk alongside Joe Rodon in the heart of the Elland Road backline.
“I’m happy Max Wober is back but we have to manage his load. He is training more regularly,” Farke explains, while praying that his captain’s absence will be a short-term one.
“One [piece of] bad news is Pascal Struijk. He had a little awareness in his hamstring. He is out for three weeks. There is a small chance the tendon on the muscle is involved.
“Right now, we [have to] assess it. If the tendon is involved, it could be three months. For the upcoming games, he won’t be available.
“He was able to train on Wednesday. We sent for a scan and it was a negative surprise for all of us. [Struijk is] definitely out for the next three weeks.”
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