GOOD NEWS: An injured Leeds United player updates the team on his condition as worries over his prolonged absence fade.
Daniel Farke has not included the Dutch center back in his matchday squads since West Bromwich Albion defeated them 1-0 nearly two months ago. The 24-year-old has seen experts and undergone scans multiple times for what was initially labeled as a minor groin ailment in an attempt to determine the cause of the condition.
During his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Farke shared some encouraging news regarding Struijk, indicating that he is close to recovering completely.
“Pascal is allowed to extend his training load and to make him hopefully ready to join team training,” the manager of Leeds stated. “The doctors said that we need to build him up over the next two to two and a half weeks, and if all goes well, he can return to team training.” If he returns to team training following the international break, that’s all I’m expecting from him.”
As part of his ongoing reintegration into the main group, Struijk was also spotted working out in the gym at Leeds’ Thorp Arch base, among colleagues, several of whom are fit to play this weekend against Leicester City.
Along with uploading the aforementioned recuperation photos, the defender also shared a four-word fitness update on social media. Struijk stated in the message, “Working my way [back].”
In yesterday’s news conference, Leeds manager Farke expressed his desire to have every player ready for the team’s final stretch, including the “outstanding” Struijk. Summer acquisition Ethan Ampadu has filled in for him in central defense with loanee Joe Rodon, and together they have managed seven clean sheets in their previous eight Championship games.