Daniel Farke shares if Leeds United star Pascal Struijk could start against Frank Lampard’s Coventry City

Add as preferred source on Google

With the January transfer window now over, Leeds United’s focus switches back to the Championship race for automatic promotion and The Whites take on Coventry City on Wednesday night.

Leeds are now unbeaten in 13 matches including the FA Cup win over Harrogate Town and sit top of the table, five clear of third-placed Burnley. Sunderland’s win over Boro takes them level with Burnley.

The Whites are in excellent form but face a difficult trip to Coventry who themselves have won five in a row, including an FA Cup penalty-shootout win over Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of January.

Not only are Coventry in good form, but there is the added spice of Frank Lampard sitting in the dugout. Leeds beat Coventry easily at Elland Road, winning 3-0 but that was when Mark Robins was in charge.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke explains why Leeds United failed to make a single signing in January

Daniel Farke delivers update on Pascal Struijk on Tuesday

Patrick Bamford remains the only injured player at Leeds at the moment. Struijk made his return from a hamstring injury as a substitute in the 7-0 win over Cardiff and now, he could start against Coventry.

But it would be the Dutchman’s first start in the Championship for Leeds in a month, last starting a league game on New Year’s Day in which he scored against Blackburn. He started against Harrogate Town, too.

Farke told his press conference if Struijk would start: “Important to have a few more days training. Cardiff was also important. On the other hand, without him in the line-up, we have four clean sheets in a row.

“There is no need to rush but if he is back to his full fitness and full rhythm, Pascal is a key player for us. But he has been out for three weeks. It is about finding the right time to bring him into the line-up.”

How Leeds have performed with and without Pascal Struijk

Leeds have done well since Struijk’s injury but the Dutchman’s was absent for the 3-3 draw against Hull City in which Leeds capitulated. Illan Meslier was blamed but the Leeds defence largely struggled.

Struijk has started 26 of Leeds’ 32 games in all competitions this season and in fairness, Leeds have done well both with the left-footed vice captain and have been largely solid without the former Ajax man.

But if Leeds are to get promoted this season, then Struijk is key. His importance is heightened because Ethan Ampadu is needed in midfield – Farke has said Ampadu is not a long-term solution in defence.