INJURY UPDATE; Leeds united star injury damaging his lateral knee ligaments

Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu is set to be out for at least 10 weeks, according to manager Daniel Farke, after damaging his lateral knee ligaments.

The Welsh international was forced off before half-time against Coventry City and was replaced by Ao Tanaka. Farke has now confirmed in his pre-match press conference, ahead of his side’s match against Norwich City, that the knee injury that Ampadu sustained against the Sky Blues has ruled him out until January.

After beating Coventry, Leeds now sit in a very strong position in the league, just two points off West Bromwich Albion, who currently hold the top spot.

Ampadu was a huge part of the team’s success last season when they came ever so close to promotion. Unfortunately for the Whites, the 24-year-old won’t be able to help them with their second attempt at getting back to the Premier League for a while.

Ethan Ampadu suffers serious knee injury

Leeds’ German boss has confirmed that the skipper is set to miss a significant period of time as a result of the knee injury he suffered against Coventry, but added that Ampadu won’t need to go under the knife in order to recover from it.

“Ethan, it’s a serious knee injury, he’s damaged his lateral ligament,” said Farke, via the Yorkshire Evening Post. “The doctors have recommended conservative treatment so doesn’t need surgery, but it’s difficult to predict how long he’ll be out. Ten weeks until he’s back in team training.

You have to expect there will be injuries, have to hope for a little bit of luck. Ethan is our captain, one of our most important players. He is a key piece for balance between defensive stability and offense. It’s a big blow he’s not available but you have to adapt to it.”

Meanwhile, fellow defensive option Max Wober is set to undergo surgery on Tuesday, as per Farke. He said that it will be six weeks until the Austrian is back in training.

Leeds return to Carrow Road for the first time since their draw with Norwich in the first leg of last season’s play-off semi-finals. United looked quite creatively inept that day, and their attacking options aren’t going to be as strong as they like this time.

Farke has confirmed that Manor Solomon and Dan James will miss the game on Tuesday night, as will full-back Isaac Schmidt.

Ethan Ampadu’s injury isn’t as debilitating as it would have been previously

Much was made of Leeds’ recruitment over the summer. Complaints were made about a lack of activity in certain areas, one of which being in the middle of the pitch.

But, in the end, they brought in Joe Rothwell and Tanaka to add cover in midfield, in case of a situation like this. At least now United have cover for Ampadu when, previously, they might not have.

Of course, either of those two players replacing what the Welshman offered to United is a big ask. Not only does he bring immense leadership to this team, but also a quality and versatility that is hard to mirror.

His long-term absence will make some people worried about Leeds’ depth at centre-back. Without him and Wober, United are down to the bare bones in this position.

At least now, in contrast to last season, they have some sort of cover in one position for the usually ever-present Ampadu.