According to the injury expert, the defender’s best-case scenario is a Grade 1 or 2 injury that won’t keep him out for very long.
When the Dutch defender last appeared for the Whites, it was in a 2-1 loss to Preston North End in December.
Brar, a sports scientist and physical therapist, exclusively spoke to MOT Leeds News about Struijk.
“A Grade 1 or 2 injury is the best case situation here, while a Grade 4 rupture is the worst case.
Surgery is usually reserved for situations of multiple reinjuries or prolonged pain and discomfort lasting months to years following groyne injuries.
“He could be out for several weeks due to a Grade 4 rupture.”
This season, Struijk has made 23 league appearances under Daniel Farke, playing every time he is fit.
He has become one of the Whites’ most vital first-team players after scoring three goals and playing outstanding defence.
In his absence, Liam Cooper has partner Joe Rodon at centre-back for Leeds
In other related developments:
Last summer, Leeds turned down three proposals from Everton for Gnonto, with the third reportedly worth up to £26 million [BBC Sport, 1 September].
At the time, it was reported that the Whites were holding out for £30 million, but the Italian stayed at Elland Road and no further offers were received.
Even though they were punished with two separate charges for financial violations beforehand, Everton was expected to launch a fresh bid for Gnonto this month.
More recently, Gnonto has reportedly piqued the curiosity of another Premier League team, West Ham [Sacha Tavolieri, January 18].
While there have been hints this week that Gnonto may yet sign a new contract with Leeds, Goodman feels a sale shouldn’t be completely ruled out just yet.
Goodman told MOT Leeds, “I’d be surprised if any Premier League club was willing to pay the same amount for him as last summer.”
News.
He was an absolute handful in the Premier League last season, despite playing for a struggling team. However, he hasn’t been managed to break into Leeds’ lineup this year.
“He is aware that he must play football, particularly given his desire to play for his country. It is just not possible for him to represent Italy if all he does is substitute for Leeds in the Championship.
He and his agency will therefore undoubtedly be eager to return to the Premier League and join a squad where he will be able to play some minutes.
