Gaetano Berardi’s warrior-like decision to refuse surgery works in Leeds’ favour with Pontus Jansson now injured

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Leeds United’s promotion hopes suffered a blow as star defender Pontus Jansson was ruled out for three weeks, the club’s official website confirmed.

Jansson picked up a knee injury against Sheffield United and will miss their next game – which is against Millwall after the international break.

This means that Gaetano Berardi is almost certain to return to the starting line-up, operating at centre-half alongside Liam Cooper.

But Berardi might have been ruled out as well, if he had made a different decision earlier in the season. Back in October, he was advised to undergo season-ending surgery, The Yorkshire Post reports.

The Swiss defender had a torn hamstring and surgery to pull the muscle from the bone was the recommended route.

But Berardi decided against this surgery, which would have spelled the end of his 2018/19 season. Instead, he plays on through the pain.

The 30-year-old is far from fully fit and has been limited to just nine appearances due to his constant hamstring concerns.

But Berardi has a warrior-like outlook and will continue to battle on, filling in for Jansson over the next three weeks.

With the only alternative options being Aapo Halme and Hugo Diaz – two inexperienced youngsters – Berardi’s decision to refuse surgery now looks like a relief.