Daniel Farke served reminder of what Leeds United are missing because of Pascal Struijk issue: View | OneFootball

Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk has suffered another setback in his recovery from an adductor issue and has undergone surgery, meaning Ethan Ampadu has had to fill in at centre-back in the Dutchman's absence.

Struijk hasn't featured since the Boxing Day game against Preston North End, and Leeds have had to find other solutions in the heart of their defence. During the first half of the season, Struijk had predominantly formed a near-impenetrable centre-back partnership with Joe Rodon at centre-back. However, he has had surgery that has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Rodon is clearly the better covering defender, with more recovery speed, combativeness, and aerial prowess. However, he and Struijk complement each other well as a duo, with Struijk more accomplished in possession and in the build-up phases. He had made 17 starts alongside the Welshman and won 11 times with a further four draws. Leeds have conceded just 16 goals when that duo has been in action.

Having said that, without Struijk, the Whites have been flying recently, in spite of his absence being a potential blow for the run-in, and have won 12 games with a further draw in 13 league fixtures since the turn of the year.

However, they, and Daniel Farke, would love to welcome the Dutch defender back but unfortunately won't until pre-season for the 2024/25 campaign, given how crucial his role as captain has been and becoming a huge set-piece threat for the side this term as well - scoring five goals.

Ethan Ampadu and Rodon have done very well to make Struijk’s absence look like less of a blow, but this is still hugely disappointing for the side. He and Rodon had been so imperious, whilst Ampadu dominated midfield battles, and that trio were arguably the best defensive axis in the division prior to Struijk's blow.

Ethan Ampadu is Leeds' best midfielder

The Whites had a nine-day break for all of their players between the win over Sheffield Wednesday and the 2-0 victory over Millwall in their previous fixture prior to the international break, but will welcome the rest for the majority of the side between Millwall and Easter weekend, which kicks-off on Friday with an away trip to Watford.

One player who certainly impressed during the international break was Ampadu, albeit he played 90 minutes against Finland in the first EURO qualifier and 120 minutes in Tuesday night's game against Poland, which saw Wales agonisingly miss out on qualification after Dan James' missed penalty in the shoot-out saw them crash out.

That's not ideal for Farke, with Ampadu playing in midfield for those games and covering plenty of distance in the middle of the park, but the Welshman also proved his class in the role with two top drawer displays, and highlighted what Leeds have been missing from their own midfield somewhat.

He has been the epitome of consistency wherever he has played, but many fans may have forgotten just how strong he is in his best role. He was the heartbeat of Wales' team in both of their fixtures recently from the middle of the park, crucial in breaking up play and distributing the ball into attacking areas, and serving as a reminder for what he is capable of for his club side, too.

Ilia Gruev has performed above expectations when called upon in central-midfield, but Ampadu is arguably the club's best player, let alone midfielder, and deserves to perform in a role further forward in a Leeds shirt again.

Pascal Struijk's absence

Initially, Leeds had been hoping to welcome back Struijk just after the international break, with injections carrying him through to the end of the season. Unfortunately, the issue was complicated and the club and Farke confirmed surgery was needed to resolve the matter.

Struijk is a vastly superior player in possession to Rodon and is one of the best ball-playing defenders in the division, and gives Leeds balance with a right and left-footer as well. It isn't to say Ampadu isn't capable and progressive on the ball himself, but he would have been even more beneficial further forward.

With Struijk, it's likely Farke would arguably have put him back in his best position further forward, in spite of the good run of form and clean sheets since the turn of the year. Leeds will have to manage until the end of the season with the limited centre-back and central-midfield options available to him without the Dutchman.

Leeds' chief during the run-in and less than six weeks left of the regular league campaign.