Leeds United: Daniel Farke confirms positive news on Ethan Ampadu situation | OneFootball

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has provided an injury update on Ethan Ampadu.

Daniel Farke has revealed he is ‘carefully optimistic’ that Ethan Ampadu will return to full fitness ahead of schedule.

The 24-year-old has been a key figure for the Whites since his move to Elland Road, but he has not featured for Leeds since the end of September due to a knee injury picked up against Coventry City.

Despite his quality, Ampadu hasn’t been missed, with Farke’s men unbeaten in six and picking up 12 points in the game he has been absent.

Ethan Ampadu injury latest

Nevertheless, it would be a major boost for Farke to get his captain back out on the pitch, and Farke told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Ampadu could be back before January, which had been the initial expectation.

“He's working hard, already doing some running. It will be a while before he can join us in team training, he's even a bit ahead of schedule. I'm carefully optimistic he can return to team training a bit earlier. We will see.

“Normally it would be realistic to be back in training in the middle of December and then available in the beginning of January. It would be nice if he can help us already a bit earlier and sooner because he's our captain and a versatile player. We would love to have him back but we won't rush it. It was a serious injury. He's a bit ahead but let's see how it develops.

“It's always difficult to say, you have to extend the load from day to day and there could be a day when you have to be a bit careful and take a step back. It's pretty rare that I've ever experienced a straightforward rehab. So far each day it was better and it looks really good but it's too soon to judge when he can help us again.”

Ethan Ampadu return will improve Leeds United

As mentioned, Leeds have done very well without Ampadu, with Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka forming an excellent partnership in the middle of the park.

However, there’s no denying that getting Ampadu back in the squad will be a major boost for Leeds, because the Welsh international is a quality operator at this level.

He brings a real physicality to the side, and he will win duels and compete in a way that other players can’t. Furthermore, he is another option in central defence, if Leeds are ever short in that department.

It makes sense that Farke won’t take any chances with Ampadu on his recovery from the knee problem, but it would be a real boost if he can feature earlier than expected, especially if it means he is available for selection during the demanding December period.

Leeds United pushing for promotion

Overall, Leeds are in very good shape right now, as they sit second in the table, and they’re performing very well right now.

The manner of the victory over Plymouth was impressive, and the underlying numbers suggest Leeds are the team to beat in the Championship right now.

Farke’s side have shown real consistency over the past few months, and whilst a few draws could’ve been turned into wins, they look strong.