Pascal Struijk, a center-back for Leeds United, has been sidelined since Boxing Day with an adductor injury.
Leeds’ next Championship match, against Sheffield Wednesday, is fast approaching on Friday when they travel to Hillsborough.
While Daniel Farke’s team is currently limping towards the international break, he doesn’t have many serious injury concerns to deal with.
Leeds team news: Pascal Struijk still out until after international break
Four players are sidelined ahead of Leeds’ Yorkshire derby against the Owls: Stuart Dallas, Jamie Shackleton, Jaidon Anthony, and Pascal Struijk.
Since his previous away game at Preston on Boxing Day at the end of December, the Dutchman’s absence has been a concerning trend this season.
Since then, Leeds has had incredible success—they are unbeaten in 2024 with 10 wins, 1 tie, and just four goals given up while Struijk was away.
Farke heaps more praise on Struijk importance
Struijk has been captain of the team all season long, so it’s obvious that Farke views him as one of his most important players.
In response to a question regarding his recuperation following the international break, Farke felt compelled to emphasise the 24-year-old’s significance to the team (via the YEP):
“Feels a bit crazy that we didn’t speak about him last two months and thank God we didn’t have to because our defensive behaviour was spot on.
“He’s a cornerstone for our future. We play without such a key player for two months, once he’s back in team training it’s not like you press a button and he’s back to his best. I expect him to be back in team training other side of international break at latest. Hopefully as soon as possible back in best possible shape.“
Farke’s right, Struijk is vital for us
On face value, Struijk’s absence from the side has coincided with our ridiculously good run of form, but nothing that we’ve done in this time has differed from how Struijk would operate.
That is a testament to Ethan Ampadu more than anything, showing he can produce the same levels at centre-back that we saw from Struijk.
However, having the Wales international in midfield so that Struijk can partner Rodon is what we need, given that all three of those league goals we have shipped in 2024 have been from set pieces.
