Leeds United’s trip to Fulham is now just five days away and Daniel Farke is facing a potential midfield crisis ahead of the clash, as news emerges regarding Ilia Gruev’s fitness.
The additions of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff in the summer window saw Leeds look well-stocked in the middle of the park, five quality options that would all be vying to start Premier League matches.
Against Everton, Ethan Ampadu suffered an MCL injury. In the next game, Ao Tanaka picked up the same injury and it meant Farke could only pick Stach, Longstaff and Ilia Gruev in midfield against Newcastle.
The trio did well against Newcastle. There is hope that Ampadu will return after the international break, but this view has always been optimistic but now, Leeds could be without Gruev on Saturday afternoon.
Ilia Gruev in action for Leeds against Newcastle.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Ilia Gruev blow could mean new role for Pascal Struijk
Gruev started Bulgaria’s 3-0 defeat to Georgia on the bench on Sunday. It looked as if Gruev was given a rest, and it might actually help Leeds, but Bulgaria’s manager, Ilian Iliev, explained why after full-time.
Iliev explains that Gruev has “problems” and came on at half-time not fully fit. He is unsure if Gruev has worsened the injury he was carrying by playing the second half, and is now a major doubt for Fulham.
Marcelo Bielsa during a game between Leeds and West Ham.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Ampadu may be fit, but surely unable to do 90 minutes after missing almost a month of football. It leaves Farke with just two fully fit midfielders in Stach and Longstaff, and another option could now be required.
Pascal Struijk is Leeds’ next-best midfield option. The defender could be used in holding midfield, even if his last league game starting in midfield came under Marcelo Bielsa, almost four years ago.
Pascal Struijk in action during Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
How Leeds could line-up and Pascal Struijk’s last midfield start
With Ampadu unlikely to do 90, Gruev potentially injured and Ao Tanaka definitely ruled out, Farke may be forced to turn to Struijk and play the Dutchman in holding midfield, behind Stach and Longstaff.
Brenden Aaronson could also come in as a no.8 and perhaps either Stach or Longstaff drop into the holding role. Farke should do everything he can to avoid handing Aaronson a start in midfield.
Leeds will be down to their bare bones if Ampadu and Gruev are unable to start, and Struijk will have to step up, Jaka Bijol replacing him. It remains to be seen if Farke is willing to trust Struijk in midfield.
Bielsa often used Struijk as a holding midfielder in the Premier League, the last outing a 1-1 draw against Wolves in October 2021. Joe Gelhardt’s mazy run won Leeds a penalty, and Rodrigo equalised.