Daniel Farke must tread carefully with Ethan Ampadu as Leeds United run changes approach

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Daniel Farke has a big call to make regarding Ethan Ampadu ahead of a tough run of fixtures for Leeds United.

The Whites skipper was forced off in the first half of their Championship clash at home to Coventry City - with Farke's side running out comfortable 3-0 winners. The Sky Blues game marks the first of a difficult run of games for Leeds, with fixtures against a number of promotion rivals on the horizon.

Leeds turned in an impressive display against Mark Robins' side, but the injury to Ampadu was a major blow. Though Farke is hopeful the injury will be nothing serious, the Whites captain will need further tests.

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"Knee," Farke said when asked about Ampadu's injury in his post-match press conference. "Definitely too painful to go [on] because he normally tries everything to stay on the pitch. More positive after the game and does not think it's too bad. Have to wait for further assessment."

The Wales international appeared to jar his leg in the turf following a strong challenge with Ben Sheaf and was replaced in the midfield engine room by Ao Tanaka in the 41st minute. The Japanese international looks set to be in pole position to start for Leeds in their clash with Norwich City on Tuesday night, with Ampadu joining a growing list of big name absentees.

United went into the game against Coventry with without Max Wober, Manor Solomon and Daniel James due to injury. Ampadu hasn't missed a league game since arriving at Elland Road, but with two games in five days, that impressive run looks set to come to an end.

The Whites have two tough games on the road away at the Canaries before a trip to early pace setters Sunderland. Farke would ideally want to have Ampadu back in the side for that trip to the Stadium of Light, but much depends on the diagnosis they get from tests between now and then.

Leeds have a huge home game against Sheffield United on October 18th when they return from the international break - an early fixture which could define the Championship promotion race this season. Farke will undoubtedly have this game in mind when it comes to making a selection call on Ampadu, with the international break itself providing a good opportunity for the Wales international to recover, should his injury be worse than first feared.

After the summer transfer window, Leeds have Tanaka and Joe Rothwell who can step into the starting line-up in the 24-year-old's absence. It's not worth risking doing more damage to Ampadu in the short run by playing him on Tuesday night.