Leeds United hit by ‘devastating blow’ – pundit
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu’s absence will ‘cost’ the club as they fight to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-Scotland international Frank McAvennie admits ‘not many players’ can do what the 24-year-old does and Leeds will struggle to find someone to fill the midfielder’s boots after his injury.
The Wales international was forced off after just 41 minutes, replaced by summer signing Ao Tanaka, in Leeds’ 3-0 Championship win over Coventry.
Manager Daniel Farke later confirmed that Ampadu had damaged the lateral ligament in his knee and would be out for at least 10 weeks.
Losing Ethan Ampadu a massive blow for Leeds United
Amapdu had played almost every minute of Championship football for the West Yorkshire club prior to the injury, his only reprieve coming in their 1-0 defeat to Burnley.
Capable of playing in defensive midfield or at centre-back, his versatility is a huge asset for Farke, who faces an uphill battle to find a solution.
“I think every team needs a good number six”, McAvennie told Football Insider.
“To lose a player like that is going to cost them, it’s a devastating blow for them, so somebody else will have to come in, I don’t know who but for 10 weeks somebody as to step into the breach as they say.
“They’ll have somebody, Leeds are a big club, they’ll have somebody who’ll come in and do a job until the captain comes back.
“I don’t know the full Leeds squad but I would think there will be someone who can just sit in and control the game.
“There’s not many players that can do that well and make it look easy, it’s a hard one to do.”
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