(Credit: Imago)
Tue 19 August 2025 7:40, UK
Leeds recorded a sensational 1-0 victory over Everton to begin their Premier League campaign on Monday, but there was concern over Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu put in an excellent performance at the base of midfield, with Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach also impressing further ahead at Elland Road.
However, Leeds will now be worried as Ampadu was withdrawn in the 78th minute with an apparent injury after a heavy blow, with Ilia Gruev replacing him.
With Leeds set to face Arsenal in their first away game of the Premier League season next time out, Daniel Farke will now await further news over his captain, with an update issued.
Farke’s side began the season with a 1-0 win over Everton (Credit: Imago)Ampadu to be assessed ahead of Arsenal
Adam Pope has relayed news that Ampadu picked up an impact injury on his ankle after a collision and has heavy bruising after being withdrawn at Elland Road.
The 24-year-old will be assessed ahead of the trip to Arsenal on 23 August, but while he has not yet been ruled out of contention, there is a chance that he will not be fit to start.
- Ampadu was outstanding against Everton, winning four of his attempted five ground duels and completing 50 of his 62 attempted passes.
- The Welshman became Leeds captain in the summer of 2024 and has appeared in the Premier League 27 times for the Whites and Chelsea.
This would be a huge blow for Farke, as Ampadu was otherwise set to play a vital role in the middle of the park, carrying more Premier League experience than his other midfielders in the trio.
Ampadu played as a centre-back last season, but a positive is that Farke has several options to replace him if he cannot start against Arsenal.
Big bruise for Ampadu who will need assessing ahead of Arsenal game #LUFC
— Adam Pope (@apopey) August 18, 2025
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Who could replace Ampadu against Arsenal?
Summer signing Sean Longstaff came on for his debut in injury time against Everton, and he could be in line to replace Ampadu in midfield, although this would require one of Stach or Tanaka to drop into a deeper role.
Gruev could be a like-for-like replacement for Ampadu, although he would be a downgrade on the captain, and Longstaff may be preferred for his experience in the top flight.
Jaka Bijol missed the Everton clash through suspension, but could now make his debut at the Emirates, and Farke may be tempted to switch to a back five with the centre-back coming in for Ampadu.
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