Leeds United are back in action on Saturday afternoon as The Whites take on Oxford United in their final home game of 2024, but Daniel Farke could be without one of his mainstay players.
Having failed to beat Preston away from home last Saturday, this weekend’s clash at home to struggling Oxford is one The Whites must go and win in order to keep the pressure on leaders Sheffield United.
Daniel Farke has kept the main core of his side the same for much of the campaign when he has been able to. It has meant that Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have started every game, and finished almost all.
When everyone is fit, Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Junior Firpo, Brenden Aaronson and Dan James are all starters. Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe would argue they are too, as would Ethan Ampadu.
Daniel Farke delivers bad news regarding defender Pascal Struijk
Struijk has played every single minute of Championship football for Leeds so far, captaining the side while Ampadu has been sidelined. The defender has been key to Leeds securing 11 clean sheets in 21 games.
But, Farke has told Thursday’s press conference that the left-footed centre-back could be missing from Saturday’s clash against Oxford. Struijk is currently 50-50 and will need to train ahead of Saturday.
“Some concerns about Pascal Struijk. Tightness in his hamstring, wasn’t able to train yesterday or today. Has to train today or last session. Medical department give him 50-50. Scan, not so bad. Major doubt.”
Who replaces Pascal Struijk at centre-back if he is unfit?
The obvious one to come in is Max Wober. However, Daniel Farke says Wober is probably unavailable to face Oxford, after picking up some swelling to his knee and suffering a setback in training this week.
So, Leeds will be desperate for Struijk to start. Ampadu is still in the final stages of his recovery and he is probably unable to start a match, so who comes in at centre-back with no Struijk, Wober or Ampadu?
It seems Leeds have three options to go alongside Joe Rodon. Youngster James Debayo could come in, Josuha Guilavogui could be given his first start or, Sam Byram is used as an out-of-position centre-back.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
