Leeds United got off to a brilliant start in the Premier League with a win over Everton on Monday night. However, the result came at a cost as club captain Ethan Ampadu hobbled off the pitch after 78 minutes, when he picked up an injury at Elland Road.
The Whites have three points in the bag early on their return to the Premier League, and there is a sense of confidence running through the club as they look to bolster their squad before the end of the transfer window on September 1st.
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They are expected to announce the arrival of Noah Okafor today, and he is likely to be in the squad when Leeds take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The Whites could also get the first glimpse of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in north London this weekend.
However, Daniel Farke and his coaching staff have been sweating over the fitness of Ampadu, who is the leader of the team, both on and off the pitch, ahead of their trip to Arsenal this weekend. His injury was the only blot on an otherwise brilliant evening against Everton at home earlier this week.
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Leeds United receive positive news on the fitness of Ethan Ampadu
Leeds are desperate to have Ampadu in the team against a top team such as Arsenal, given the calm and composure he brings to the middle of the park for Farke’s team.
Dr Rajpal Brar, a specialist in physical therapy and a sports scientist, believes that, based on what the Leeds manager said, it doesn’t appear the midfielder’s injury is too serious.
He believes the worst-case scenario would be that the pain could persist for a few weeks if there is bruising on the bones. However, Ampadu looks certain to play 90 minutes against Arsenal, as things stand.
“He suffered an injury and had to be taken off in the 78th minute”, Dr Brar told MOT Leeds News.
“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.”
Farke has options in midfield
The Leeds boss would want Ampadu in the team against Arsenal, and it seems the club captain is expected to make the team this weekend.
However, Leeds can afford not to risk the Welshman if he is not completely fit to play, as midfield is one area of the squad where the manager has options.
Leeds signed Sean Longstaff from Newcastle in the summer, but the midfielder was on the bench, and Farke also has Ilian Gruev in the midfield mix.
If Ampadu is not 100 percent fit, Farke has the option to bring someone else into the eleven without affecting the overall quality of the team.
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