Lightning strikes twice as Leeds United dealt fresh injury blow in delicate position at Norwich City

Leeds United were dealt another new injury blow in an already stretched position in Tuesday night’s Championship clash at Norwich City.

Daniel Farke’s Whites were dealt a hammer blow in Saturday’s 3-0 win at home to Coventry City in which captain Ethan Ampadu suffered lateral ligament damage. Ampadu is now expected to be out until the new year and the captain was replaced by Ao Tanaka for Tuesday night’s clash at Norwich.

Tanaka lined up alongside Ilia Gruev in centre midfield yet lightning struck twice as Gruev was then forced of injured in the 20th minute, also with a knee injury. The Bulgarian received treatment on a knee injury following the awarding of a Norwich penalty for Joe Rodon’s foul on Josh Sargent who converted to put the Canaries infront.

Gruev attempted to continue but the Bulgarian then pulled up for treatment once more and this time was replaced by Joe Rothwell from the bench. Rothwell was then booked within two minutes of being brought on as part of a half which ended with Leeds 1-0 down.

The Whites were already without Ampadu, Max Wober, Manor Solomon, Dan James and Isaac Schmidt through injury before Gruev was added to the list. Youngsters Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers are now the next natural centre midfield options.