The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 7th March) Struijk on course to return to action after International break
Good Morning. It's Thursday 7th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Struijk on course to return to action after International break
Pascal Struijk remains on course for a return to first team action after the International break, according to Daniel Farke. The topic of injuries came up during his pre match press conference ahead of Leeds trip to Hillsborough on Friday Evening. According to Farke, Struijk continuous to respond well to treatment, he works hard at the gym, and will return to training following the International break.
It's doubtful that after almost three months out, that he'll be fit to start against Millwall when they come to Elland Road on the 17th March, but could very well play a part at Watford on the 29th! He has missed every game this year after suffering a groin strain during their narrow defeat at Deepdale on Boxing Day.
Feels a bit crazy that we didn’t speak about him last two months and thank God we didn’t have to because our defensive behaviour was spot on. He’s a cornerstone for our future. We play without such a key player for two months, once he’s back in team training it’s not like you press a button and he’s back to his best. I expect him to be back in team training other side of international break at latest. Hopefully as soon as possible back in best possible shape.
Why don't Leeds score late goals?
Leeds have scored the fewest amount of goals in the last 15 minutes of action out of the top four!
Data compiled from 'Whoscored.com' shows that despite having one of the strongest benches in the division, the Whites have netted only 11 times after the 75th minute. Ipswich are top with 21, then Leicester who have 19, followed closely by Southampton on 18. Late goals have certainly aided all three in their bids for automatic promotion this season, managing to turn losing positions around with injury time winners on multiple occasions.
Leeds are most deadly at the beginning of games, with 15 of their 66 goals coming in the first quarter of an hour. Eight of Dan James' goals have come between the thirty minute period between the 15th - 45th minute.
Gyabi wins Pilgrims accolade
Darko Gyabi has been named Plymouth Argyle's Player of the Month for February! The 20 year old has racked up over 750 minutes of game time since joining the Pilgrims on loan in January, and despite obviously being a little ring rusty due to not being utilised by Leeds, has made an impressive start to 2024 at Home Park. Gyabi, a £5m transfer from Manchester City as part of the Kalvin Phillips deal has barely kicked a ball at Leeds, prompting the question why he hasn't gone out on loan before? According to Gyabi...
I wasn't expecting it, but I'm really excited. It's been tough, because there were games where I couldn't play, but since I've been back in the team, I've just tried to help as much as possible in terms of working hard, helping the lads and taking everything in. We're back on the up now, and so it's good.
