Leeds United have posted a training video on their website and it appears that defender Pascal Struijk is back in training ahead of Saturday’s clash against Chelsea – with manager Javi Gracia refusing to comment on injuries.
Since his arrival, Gracia has decided not to comment on the state of his injured players. A completely new outlook on the situation, to how Jesse Marsch did it. Even before answering questions, Marsch would give an update.
Now, when asked again about the likes of Liam Cooper, Max Wober and Struijk on Thursday, Gracia declined to comment. It appears that he is not willing to give anything away about the state of his players, and their fitness.
Graham Potter was more than willing to divulge information in his presser on Friday. He said joining Thiago Silva on the sidelines is Mason Mount, and potentially, Reece James. But, the Leeds video does shed some light on Struijk.
Indeed, Struijk can be seen on the far side of the pitch after 27 seconds of the video, behind Diogo Monteiro in the foreground. Then, after 2:09 of the 3-minute video, Struijk is seen at the back of a possession-based drill.
Leeds post training video: Pascal Struijk back in training after concussion
Indeed, the 23-year-old has missed the last four games after picking up a concussion issue in the first of two games against Manchester United. He came off early, and was replaced by Junior Firpo. Firpo has started on the left, since.
It has been Firpo that has been one of our most in-form players. He looks as if he has connected well with Gracia – who is Spanish, and likes his full-backs to be attacking. He suits Firpo – who got the goal against Southampton.
So, while Struijk is back in training and could be available come Saturday afternoon, the defender is hardly going to make it into the starting XI. Firpo has won his place and Struijk may have to watch from the sidelines for a while.
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