Could Pascal Struijk return to Leeds lineup after double injury blow?

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Leeds United’s hopes of capitalising on their promising start to life back in the Premier League were dealt a potential blow this weekend.

As reported by Sky Sports, both Diego Llorente and Liam Cooper sustained injuries on international duty.

It remains to be seen how long both players are sidelined for. They will reportedly play no further part for their countries in this break.

They will both face a race against time to be ready for Leeds’s clash with Wolves next Monday. And given the standards Marcelo Bielsa sets, Whites fans will be bracing themselves for neither to be involved.

That would be hugely disappointing for Leeds. But it could present a fantastic opportunity for Pascal Struijk.

Struijk started at Anfield on the opening day. And while Leeds conceded four, the 21-year-old was arguably extremely impressive alongside the debuting Robin Koch.

It is easy to forget that that game was the first time Struijk had started a league game at centre-back for the Whites.

Llorente’s subsequent arrival pushed him slightly further down the pecking order. But if both the Spaniard and the Leeds captain are absent, it will surely be Struijk to come into the side.

Leeds’s revelation at a time when the Whites may desperately need one

The youngster was outstanding in the latter stages of last season. And it does appear that Bielsa has no problem putting his faith in him, whether he be deployed as a centre-back or holding midfielder.

He will potentially need to produce something special to keep his spot once Cooper and Llorente are back available.

But he could certainly ensure that he is more involved in the conversation going forward should he impress.

Based on his performances for Leeds’s first-team so far, he has every chance of proving a revelation at a time when the Whites may desperately need one.