Leeds United have been dealt a number of injury concerns ahead of the Championship run-in, with one star potentially out for four of the last six games.
Pascal Struijk injury update ahead of Leeds’ trip to Middlesbrough
The Whites are currently involved in a tight three-way battle for two automatic promotion spots in the Championship and have gone through one of their worst periods of form at the worst possible time.
Daniel Farke’s side have won just once in their last six second-tier games, which has allowed both Burnley and Sheffield United to take full advantage.
Leeds (82 pts)
Sheffield United (83 pts)
Burnley (84 pts)
Middlesbrough (a)
Millwall (h)
Derby County (a)
Preston North End (h)
Plymouth Argyle (a)
Norwich City (h)
Oxford United (a)
Cardiff City (h)
Watford (a)
Stoke City (h)
Burnley (a)
Sheffield United (h)
Bristol City (h)
Stoke City (a)
QPR (a)
Plymouth Argyle (a)
Blackburn Rovers (h)
Millwall (h)
Leeds now sit third with six games to go, and they were dealt another concern when defender Pascal Struijk limped off late on against Luton Town last time out.
An injury update has since been shared on Struijk, with the centre-back set to sit out the trip to Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening and then the home clash with Preston North End on Saturday lunchtime at the very least.
Farke has the option to use Ethan Ampadu at centre-back or the returning Max Wober, however, the manager’s midfield options are limited due to the injured Joe Rothwell.
Joe Rothwell could miss next 4 Leeds games with calf injury
As revealed by Farke, Rothwell “will be out this week and probably also for the Easter weekend” with a calf problem. The central midfielder was absent for the draw with Luton and looks set to miss Middlesbrough and Preston with Struijk.
However, worryingly, Rothwell could also be out for the trip to Oxford United on Good Friday and the Elland Road clash with Stoke City on Easter Monday.
The 30-year-old has been a regular in the matchday squad this season, making 39 appearances in all competitions. He’s produced some key moments in recent months, including providing two assists for Struijk in the 2-1 win over Sunderland.
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Talking about Rothwell earlier this year, Farke was full of praise for the midfielder. “We don’t have to speak about his quality, he’s a pure baller – with the ball probably one of the best in this country. What he does in terms of passing, his technique and tidy touches is outstanding. Sometimes in this position, you need a few different skills or you would win Premier League title after title and have 150 caps for England.
“But when it comes down to dominate the game and be there with tidy touches, to drive the game forward, if you enjoy football you enjoy him playing. It’s great we have him as a really good option.”
Now, Leeds will have Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Josuha Guilavogui as central midfield options with Rothwell sidelined.