Ethan Ampadu
(Credit: Imago)
Pranav Shahaney
Thu 21 August 2025 7:10, UK
Ethan Ampadu is a doubt as Leeds United take on Arsenal in their second game of the 2025/26 season.
Daniel Farke’s side started the new Premier League campaign strongly, beating Everton 1-0 at Elland Road.
Ampadu could only play 78 minutes for Leeds in that one as he had to be taken off due to an injury concern.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke waving at fans
Farke will want Ampadu back as soon as possible. (Credit: Imago)
This piece includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and a Sports Scientist.
Ampadu expected to be available for full 90 minutes vs Arsenal if cleared
After Leeds beat Everton, Farke said that the Wales international was bruised and that was the reason he had to be taken off.
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Assessing the injury and the manager’s comments, Dr Rajpal Brar believes that it was a knock that caused some bruising.
Should Ampadu be cleared for the Arsenal clash, he would be able to play the full 90 minutes, but in case it’s something more serious, this could linger on for a few weeks.
Statistic Ampadu vs Everton
Ground Duels (Won) 5 (4)
Aerial Duels (Won) 3 (2)
Touches 72
Accurate Passes 50/62 (81%)
Interceptions 1
Total Tackles 3
Dr Brar told MOT Leeds News: “He suffered an injury and had to be taken off in the 78th minute.
“Doesn’t sound too serious based on what Farke said – sounds like a knock that caused some bruising.
“However, the worst case would be if there’s potentially a bone bruise, which can linger for weeks and cause pain in the foot and ankle.
“If he is cleared for the next match, I would reckon that he is able to play for the full 90 or close to it.”
Ampadu was exceptional last season. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United must not risk Ampadu if he’s not fully fit
Leeds United must avoid risking Ampadu against Arsenal if he’s not fully fit, as his defensive midfield role is crucial to their structure.
A premature return could aggravate any injury, sidelining him longer and weakening Leeds’ campaign.
With Arsenal’s attacking prowess, a fully fit replacement like Sean Longstaff or Ilia Gruev offers a safer option.
Both have shown defensive tenacity and passing ability, making them viable starters to maintain midfield stability in this match.
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