Leeds United suffer major injury blow as Pascal Struijk faces potentially season-ending setback – full assessment and what it means for Daniel Farke’s promotion hopes
Leeds United have been dealt a massive blow at a critical stage of their 2024/25 Championship campaign, with defender Pascal Struijk potentially ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a serious foot injury. The 24-year-old Dutchman, who has been one of the most consistent and composed figures at the back under Daniel Farke, is currently undergoing further assessment to determine the severity of the problem. However, early signs suggest the injury could be more than just a minor issue, with fears of a fracture keeping him sidelined for up to eight weeks—meaning his season might already be over.
Struijk’s absence could not have come at a worse time for the Whites, who are locked in an intense battle for promotion back to the Premier League. With just a handful of matches remaining in the regular season, and the play-offs looming as a potential fallback, losing one of the club’s most reliable and tactically intelligent players could have serious implications for their campaign’s final stretch.
According to injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a sports scientist and physical therapy specialist, the outlook is worrying. Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Brar explained:
“Based on the most recent update from Farke, he will be out at least the next two matches as he continues to be assessed, and there is potential concern for a fracture. If that is the case, he will likely miss the rest of the season. Lower body fractures average around eight weeks for recovery time and can be even trickier when on the foot like his is.”
If that timeline proves accurate, Struijk would only be fit for a return in early to mid-June, by which time the Championship season will have concluded. The play-off final is scheduled for May 24th, and unless Leeds make it there—and Struijk recovers slightly ahead of schedule—it’s highly unlikely we’ll see him again in a Leeds shirt this term.
Struijk has been one of the cornerstones of Farke’s defensive setup this season, often acting as the calming presence amid the chaos of the Championship’s high-pressure fixtures. His ability to read the game, dominate in aerial duels, and remain composed under pressure has seen him evolve into one of the most complete defenders in the league. Alongside Joe Rodon, he helped form a backline that, for much of the season, looked among the most solid in the division.
Leeds have faced defensive injuries before this season, but none as significant as this. The club already lost Luke Ayling to loan and Djed Spence to inconsistency and injury struggles, and now with Struijk potentially out, Farke must reassess his entire defensive strategy as the stakes skyrocket.
The most immediate option would likely see Joe Rodon retain his place as the central figure at the back. The Welsh international, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has impressed for much of the season with his leadership and strong performances. Beside him, Farke may turn to Liam Cooper—the club captain and longest-serving player—who brings experience, grit, and an understanding of what it means to wear the shirt during promotion chases. However, Cooper has struggled to maintain consistent fitness this season and hasn’t featured regularly.
Another alternative would be to drop Ethan Ampadu into central defence. Ampadu has been one of the standout players in midfield, showing maturity, tactical intelligence, and tremendous work ethic. However, shifting him to defence would leave a void in midfield, where his partnership with Glen Kamara has brought much-needed balance and stability. The domino effect of Struijk’s injury may force Farke to juggle his options in multiple positions, not just at the back.
Younger players like Charlie Cresswell and Leo Hjelde might be considered, though Cresswell’s development has stalled this season, and Hjelde has been in and out of the matchday squads. These are high-stakes fixtures, and relying on untested or inconsistent youngsters might be seen as too much of a gamble, particularly when automatic promotion is still within reach.
The timing of this injury is as cruel as it is critical. Leeds recently surrendered their lead in the race for automatic promotion, allowing rivals such as Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton to close the gap. With every point now vital, the loss of a key figure like Struijk could prove to be the difference between finishing in the top two or being forced into the unpredictable, often brutal, play-off route.
Farke, for his part, remained cautious in his most recent comments, confirming that further assessments were ongoing. However, the fact that the manager openly expressed concerns over a potential fracture is telling. He knows full well how damaging the absence of Struijk could be—not just in terms of tactics and personnel, but also from a morale standpoint.
Struijk, who previously represented the Netherlands at U17 level, has grown into a leader at Leeds despite his quiet demeanour. He leads by example, rarely putting a foot wrong and always showing up in big games. His ability to organise the defence, communicate calmly, and play out from the back has been integral to how Farke wants his team to build play. Losing that presence is not something that can be easily replaced.
This also comes at a time when Leeds’ fixture list does them no favours. The team faces a string of difficult games in the coming weeks, including clashes against fellow promotion hopefuls and tough away days where defensive stability is crucial. The likes of Hull, Middlesbrough, and Southampton are not easy opponents by any stretch, and any drop in defensive cohesion could prove costly.
There is still a glimmer of hope that further scans may reveal the injury is not as bad as initially feared. If the injury turns out to be less serious than a fracture—perhaps a severe bruise or soft tissue injury—Struijk might return in time for the final two or three matches of the season. That alone could make a huge difference, particularly if Leeds need a strong finish or head into the play-offs.
Until then, though, Daniel Farke and his coaching staff must plan for the worst-case scenario and rally the squad to push through this challenging period. The loss of a key player is never easy, but this Leeds side has shown resilience before, and it will need to draw upon that strength again.
Ultimately, the hope from all corners of Elland Road is that Pascal Struijk can recover quickly and fully—whether it’s to feature at Wembley or simply be ready for pre-season. For now, Leeds United’s promotion dream must continue without one of its steadiest pillars.
Would you like me to write a follow-up analysis on how this affects their upcoming matches tactically, or how other players like Rodon or Ampadu might need to adapt?