As Leeds United prepare for their final home game of the 2025/26 Premier League season against Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road, the mood should be celebratory. Premier League safety has been secured, and fans are looking forward to a proper send-off on Sunday. Yet, manager Daniel Farke has delivered a sobering update that casts a shadow over the occasion.
The club is facing what many are calling their most difficult injury situation of the entire campaign — and two key figures, Pascal Struijk and captain Ethan Ampadu, sit right at the heart of the concerns.
In his pre-match press conference, Farke didn’t sugarcoat the situation. He described multiple absences and expressed clear frustration at the timing. While the German boss tried to remain positive about the bigger picture, his words on Struijk and Ampadu carried the weight of genuine bad news for a squad already stretched thin.
Pascal Struijk: Big Doubt After Hip Knock
Pascal Struijk has been a mainstay in Leeds’ defence this season. Versatile, composed on the ball, and strong in the air, the Dutchman has often been the glue holding the backline together, whether at centre-back or filling in elsewhere. His leadership and reading of the game have been vital as Leeds battled through a tricky campaign.
The bad news? Struijk was forced off during the recent draw at Tottenham with a hip issue and has not returned to training. Farke was blunt:
“Pascal Struijk, not in training yet after the last game. Big doubt if he is available.”
With only limited time before kick-off, the chances of him featuring against Brighton look slim.
This comes as a significant blow. Losing Struijk weakens an already depleted defensive unit. With other defensive options also sidelined, the reliance on the remaining centre-backs — Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw — increases massively.
A patched-up back three or back four could struggle against Brighton’s attacking threats like Yankuba Minteh and Danny Welbeck, especially at a raucous Elland Road where tempo will be high.
For fans who have watched Struijk grow into a reliable Premier League performer, this doubt feels particularly frustrating. He brings balance and calmness that is hard to replicate, especially in a must-perform home finale.
Farke’s tone suggested this is more than just a minor knock — it’s a problem that could linger into the final away game as well.
Ethan Ampadu: Major Doubt with Illness
If Struijk’s absence hurts defensively, Ethan Ampadu’s potential unavailability strikes at the heart of the team.
As captain and a central midfielder who dictates play, breaks up opposition attacks, and covers vast ground, Ampadu has been instrumental in Leeds’ survival push. His leadership on and off the pitch has been exemplary, especially during tougher periods.
Farke confirmed Ampadu is “struggling with illness currently” and “was not in training today” — labelling him a “major doubt.” Missing training at this stage of the week is rarely a good sign.
Illness can sap energy and sharpness quickly, and in a high-stakes Premier League match, that lack of preparation is far from ideal.
Ampadu’s absence would force changes in midfield, potentially opening the door for younger players like Charlie Crew or others from the academy. While Farke has shown willingness to blood youth, the drop in experience and tactical discipline could be noticeable against a Brighton side still chasing European qualification.
Ampadu’s ability to shield the defence and link play would be sorely missed.
Farke’s Honest Assessment: The Worst Timing
Farke has been pragmatic throughout the season, but his latest update carried a tone of disappointment.
He listed multiple absentees — Ilia Gruev (out for the season), Noah Okafor, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jayden Bogle, and the ineligible Facundo Buonanotte — before highlighting the doubts over Struijk and Ampadu.
He called it one of the bleakest injury bulletins of the year, even while noting the team has “always found a solution.”
The manager stressed they will approach the game with a smile because survival is assured, but he also made it clear this is not the ideal scenario for a proud Elland Road farewell.
The squad depth is being tested to its absolute limit, and the absence of these two leaders could disrupt cohesion at a time when fans want to see a strong performance.
What It Means for the Brighton Game and Beyond
Without Struijk and Ampadu, Leeds will likely lean on a mix of senior pros and academy talent. This creates both risk and opportunity.
Brighton arrive with their own motivations — pushing for a top-seven finish — and possess dangerous attackers who can exploit any defensive disorganisation.
Yet, Elland Road on the final home day is a special place. The crowd will be loud, and that famous atmosphere can lift any patched-up side.
Farke will demand intensity and commitment regardless of personnel.
For the players stepping up, it’s a chance to impress. Youngsters could earn valuable minutes, potentially shaping squad plans for next season.
But the immediate concern remains performance levels against quality opposition.
Final Thoughts
Daniel Farke’s update on Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu is undoubtedly bad news at this stage of the season. Two influential players doubtful for such a symbolic fixture tests the squad’s resilience when fans hoped for a more straightforward celebration.
Still, this Leeds side has shown fight all year. Survival was the main objective, and it has been achieved. Now it’s about pride, entertainment, and giving everything for the badge one last time at home this campaign.
Here’s hoping at least one — or both — of Struijk and Ampadu can defy the odds and feature. If not, the next generation will get their moment under the Elland Road lights.
Whatever happens, it should be an emotional afternoon.
Up the Whites.
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