Pascal Struijk’s Hip Injury Sidelines Leeds Defender for Chelsea Clash
Leeds United’s defender, Pascal Struijk, will not participate in the upcoming clash against Chelsea due to a hip flexor injury. The 26-year-old sustained this issue after Leeds’ recent victory over Nottingham Forest.
Impact on the Team
This injury forces head coach Daniel Farke to make at least one adjustment to his lineup for the match on Tuesday. Struijk’s absence is compounded by Anton Stach, who is also sidelined with a hip injury and is unlikely to return in time for the Chelsea fixture.
Upcoming Matches and Player Condition
- Anton Stach is expected to be available for Leeds’ game against Aston Villa on February 21.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been dealing with illness but is expected to be fit for the Chelsea game.
- Ilia Gruev is also available for selection as he has recovered from his issues.
During a press conference, Farke confirmed the situation, stating, “In terms of knocks or muscle injuries, there’s nothing impacting the other players.” He characterized Struijk’s condition as unfortunate, noting that the quick turnaround between games contributed to the decision to rest him.
Defensive Adjustments
Struijk has been a crucial player for Leeds, starting in 22 of their 25 Premier League matches this season. With his injury, Jaka Bijol is likely to step in and join the back three in Struijk’s place.
As Leeds prepares to face Chelsea, all eyes will be on the team’s ability to adapt in Struijk’s absence while still aiming for a strong performance against their rivals.
