BBC journalist shares why Jansson missing for Leeds against Cardiff
By Harry Sykes
Pontus Jansson is set to miss Leeds’ league showdown against Cardiff on Saturday due to illness, according to a reliable journalist.
Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay claimed on his personal Twitter account 90 minutes before kick-off that the centre-back will be sidelined for the Elland Road clash, although he did not state the reason for the absence.
BBC broadcaster and journalist Adam Pope offered some more information shortly afterwards on Twitter, as he explained that “the magic hat needs medicine” as he urged Jansson to get well soon.
This was a reference from Pope to the ‘magic hat’ chant sung by Leeds fans to serenade the hugely popular Sweden international.
Jansson’s absence was confirmed shortly afterwards by the club’s official Twitter account as the starting XI was announced for the fixture that pits Leeds against former manager Neil Warnock.
Jansson, 25, has been a mainstay of the Leeds side that has challenged so strongly for promotion this season.
He has established a strong centre-back partnership with Kyle Bartley that has been the foundation of the team’s promotion challenge.
Liam Cooper will replace the 6ft 5in Sweden international on Saturday but Leeds fans will be concerned at the temporary break-up of the hugely successful Bartley-Jansson partnership.
Leeds go into the match aiming to consolidate their play-off position after accumulating 54 points from 30 matches to be placed fifth in the division.
In other Leeds team news, the club came within a whisker of signing this forward on deadline day.
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