Leeds United return to Elland Road on Tuesday night ahead of a crucial Championship clash against Sunderland with the race for the top two really hotting up – but Daniel Farke has some bad news.
The Whites suffered defeat against Coventry on Saturday and it has seen Farke’s men fall out of the top two places. Leicester have gone top, boasting a game in hand and sitting on an impressive 88 points.
Ipswich are second on 87 points, having played a game more than Leicester – as have Leeds. The Whites are now third, on 86. But, Leeds have the chance to go into the top two with a win on Tuesday night.
That is because Ipswich play Watford on Wednesday night at Portman Road. Leicester though, take on Millwall in London on Tuesday night – and have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Daniel Farke has bad news for Leeds fans ahead of Sunderland
Leeds obviously, need to be back to their brilliant best to get a win against Sunderland – a side we have lost to this season, But, that has taken a big blow – with the possible loss of Ethan Ampadu to illness.
Wales star Ampadu, 23, has been a constant in the Leeds side. He’s started every single match so far for Leeds in the League, and only ever taken off – if ever at all – in injury time. He’s even captaining Leeds.
A bargain at £7m, excellent in midfield and a rock at the back. A possible shout for Player of the Season so far. But Farke told his press conference that Ampadu has been suffering with illness, and is a doubt.
“No additions. Question behind Ethan. Illness in the last 48 hours. Not available to us yesterday or today. Tight race. Short session tomorrow which he has to make to play,” Farke said, as per the club’s YouTube.
Who could replace Ethan Ampadu in Leeds line-up?
The obvious solution is that captain Liam Cooper comes in, a natural left-sided centre-back. That one is the obvious decision and the probably move should Ampadu be unable to play come Tuesday night.
Other options can include Ilia Gruev dropping into defence, or Charlie Cresswell – but if Ampadu is out, then it will be Cooper in defence, unless Farke does something he has not done all season, so far.
A back three could mean Sam Byram plays on the right and Gruev on the left of a back three, which he does for Bulgaria. But hopefully, there is no decision to make – and Ampadu is fit to lead us out.