Leeds United are facing a significant setback after both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev suffered injuries, according to Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff. Speaking on BBC Sport’s 72+ podcast on 2 October, McAnuff emphasized that central midfield was the area in Daniel Farke’s squad where they could be severely “stretched” if multiple players were sidelined, and now those fears have materialized with the absence of two key players.

Leeds United’s midfield crisis has deepened with both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev facing extended spells on the sidelines. Ampadu was ruled out for 10 weeks after sustaining a knee injury against Coventry City (The Athletic, 30 September), while Gruev was forced off early in the Norwich City clash on 1 October. The club confirmed on 3 October that Gruev will also be out long-term following knee surgery.

Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff, speaking on BBC Sport’s 72+ podcast, acknowledged the severity of the situation, calling Ampadu’s injury a “big, big blow.” He highlighted the crucial role Ampadu has played in midfield this season, saying, “particularly in that midfield area, which is obviously his preferred position and where he’s gone back into this season” (16m 30s).

McAnuff went on to express even greater concern for Leeds United following Gruev’s early exit against Norwich City, emphasizing how this compounds the club’s struggles in midfield: “With Gruev as well, having gone off very, very early in the game, that’s going to be a real area of concern for Leeds United.

”He also pointed out that Leeds already lost Glen Kamara in the summer and Archie Gray, making the midfield especially vulnerable: “That’s the one area where you look at that squad and feel if they were to get one or two [injuries], which they’ve got now, they’re gonna really be stretched. Really interesting to see how that plays out in the coming weeks.”

Leeds’ midfield crisis deepens as they face a challenging period ahead.