‘In my whole career’: Bielsa makes claim about injury to Pascal Struijk

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Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Pascal Struijk will not be in the Leeds United squad for Tuesday’s clash with Manchester City, admitting that he has not seen an injury like the one the 22-year-old is dealing with ever before – in comments reported by Leeds Live.

Struijk recently joined a number of his teammates on the sidelines. He had to be replaced at half-time during the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. It came after he stayed down following a challenge on Jordan Ayew.

At the time, the challenge appeared to be fairly tame. Certainly, it was a surprise to see Struijk booked. But ultimately, the defender emerged from the incident worse off.

And he has subsequently missed the games against Brentford and Chelsea. With a quick turnaround, Bielsa has finally had a chance to provide a little more information on Struijk. And he suggested that the problem he is dealing with has left him somewhat baffled.

“Yes, he’s not going to be available,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live. “Pascal’s injury is not very frequent. An explosive movement made two bones in his feet collide together. That does not generate an injury, nor an articulation or muscular. It has the effect of a knock on his bone.

“That generates pain. Until that pain disappears it’s going to prevent him from playing. Sincerely, in my whole career, I have never seen an injury like that.”

Struijk injury an underrated blow for Leeds

Of course, many of the headlines have been dominated by the news concerning the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford. The trio were amongst those who played no part at Chelsea.

You can understand why the three players are dominating the conversation. Cooper is the captain, Phillips is pivotal to the system, and Bamford is their top goalscorer since promotion.

But losing Struijk is also a significant setback for Leeds. The youngster has been a revelation in the Premier League. And he had arguably been one of the Whites’ better players in the weeks leading up to his injury.

He is also someone who can fill in in Phillips’ role. And with Robin Koch also sidelined, Struijk’s absence is particularly frustrating.

Leeds fans will desperately hope that a little more clarity on Struijk’s injury comes to light in the near future.