‘Brutal’ – Leeds fans recoil in horror as Daniel Farke drops ‘massive’ Ethan Ampadu update
Leeds United and Wales supporters alike are distraught by the latest injury update surrounding Ethan Ampadu.
The 24-year-old received treatment during the 1-0 win over Everton on Monday, 18 August, having been on the wrong end of a crunching tackle from Tim Iroegbunam, who was lucky to remain on the pitch.
Despite continuing to play on for the Whites, soldiering on through the pain, the midfielder was eventually replaced by Ilia Gruev after 78 minutes, but his potential injury was quickly forgotten about.
Elland Road erupted after James Tarkowski was controversially punished for a handball decision, with Lukas Nmecha stepping up to seal the win from a spot-kick in the final six minutes of normal time.
Ethan Ampadu picks up new injury blow after Everton
Ahead of facing Arsenal on Saturday, 23 August, Daniel Farke spoke to the media, admitting, “Ampadu is out until the international break with an MCL injury. Tough boy and a blow for us.
“Hopefully, he’s back on the other side of the break. Not ideal. Our captain. Body language is important to us,” with the midfielder also spending much of last season on the sidelines.
This timeline will see the Welshman miss Premier League clashes with Arsenal and Newcastle United, as well as a Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday, and likely Wales’ game against Kazakhstan.
As club captain, it is a tremendous blow for the team attempting to secure safety in the top tier of English football, but the Whites have reinforced sensibly over the winter to avoid huge blows such as Ampadu’s.
In fact, the Whites have only just announced the signing of Noah Okafor from AC Milan, adding yet another exciting member to the attack this season.
Leeds United to face Arsenal without their captain
However, fans are still extremely disappointed by the news, especially as Iroegbunam was able to play on after clattering into the Welshman, with one supporter labelling it a “massive blow”.
Another supporter questioned, “The happiness of following Leeds United never lasts long, does it?” as a third responded: “Ugh, brutal,” speaking the minds of every other fan.
With Anton Stach, Gruev, and Sean Longstaff all available, Farke will surely have an idea or two up his sleeve for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, but it could be an even tougher battle without their captain.