Blow for Leeds as Daniel Farke says 24-year-old could miss the remainder of the season

Leeds United’s Pascal Struijk may need to undergo a surgery on his groin injury that will rule him out for the remainder of the season, according to The Athletic.  

The 24-year-old has been sidelined for the last three months with a groin issue, having last played in the Whites’ 2-1 loss to Preston North End on Boxing Day. 

Manager Daniel Farke has now confirmed the centre-back may need to undergo a season-ending surgery. 

The German boss said: “With Pascal Struijk, some bad news, progress to come back into team training was not possible. It’s a bit complicated situation with him – he’s got a cartilage injury and there are always two ways to treat this injury.

“Either you go for surgery, if we do this he’s out for the season, or the conservative route and go for injection therapy. The doctors hoped this would be beneficial for him.

“We had to go this route, the cartilage needs some healing, it has progressed but the next 10 days will be decisive.”

Pascal Struijk has been an important player for Leeds this season. 

He started 22 matches during the first half of the campaign, with three goals to his name. 

The 24-year-old formed a formidable partnership with Joe Rodon in central defence. 

However, the young defender picked up a knock in December and hasn’t played since. 

Now Struijk has suffered another setback in his recovery as he may need surgery on the groin issue. 

But despite the centre-back’s absence, Leeds have been flying in the Championship in recent weeks. 

Daniel Farke’s men have won 11 of their previous 12 league games to close the gap with Leicester City to just three points. 

They will want to continue their excellent run when they welcome Millwall to Elland Road on Sunday.