Daniel Farke reveals Pascal Struijk's Leeds United season is over and Dan James injury report — YEP 11/4/25

By Joe Donnohue

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hosts his pre-match press conference this afternoon ahead of the Whites' game versus Preston North End on Saturday lunchtime.

Farke is expected to disclose the severity of Pascal Struijk's foot injury following the results of a scan which will have determined whether a fracture has been sustained by the Dutch defender.

Struijk hobbled off at Luton Town last Saturday and was replaced in central defence by Ethan Ampadu for the midweek victory over Middlesbrough. Farke said Struijk would miss this week's two fixtures but that a scan was required to ascertain whether he can still play a part in Leeds' remaining Championship games.

Wales international winger Dan James was a casualty of Leeds' 1-0 win at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday, coming off after 73 minutes with a hamstring issue. Farke admitted at full-time that initial signs were not promising but that he hoped to have more clarity on James' availability later in the week.

Farke on Struijk's off-field influence

He's sadly not involved in the training process every day but does his rehab at Thorp Arch. He's a big leader, worn the armband very often when Ethan was not available. He's our vice captain and one of our leaders. Pity he's not available for the games but he will do some leadership - would have preferred it during the games. He can bring it during the week and in the dressing room. Also his little talks and to give some encouragement, advice and extra motivation if a player needs this, he can chip in. I'm hopeful Pascal can chip in in these regards in these last weeks.

Farke on

Not just in the past few weeks but over the whole course of the season, I think days are gone when you have one leader. Of course Ethan Ampadu is our captain but it's important you have a group [of them]. Not just be there with nice speeches or body language, you often lead by example. Dan James not there with a speech every day but leads by example what he is on the pitch and his workload. I don't want to name only four or five, the more mature players they run and work a little bit more but it's important all the players chip in with taking responsibility.

Farke on Schmidt

I’m not surprised, we knew before that he can play in different positions. Left and right back. Until 22 or 23 he played as a winger, he’s also capable to do this. For this game, it was a good solution to have him on the bench because if the opponent’s full-back is doing so much in offense, your own winger is asked a lot defensively. What I liked about Isaac is he has lots of competition, Junior Firpo playing outstanding, Jayden Bogle the same - it’s normally a joke a player like Sam Byram has such a good point average is not involved in last games. What I like about him, he came at a proper age 25 but has not played English football or a top Euro league before, different physicality and intensity. In the beginning he need to adapt but the more he impressed in training and the more he’s involved in games. Not a gift he’s involved with more minutes, I like his attitude. Although not playing much, he’s worked hard in training. Getting rewards in more minutes.

Farke on Ramazani

It’s not just the players who are 90 mins on the pitch, it’s about the whole group. Everyone chips in. We have needed Largie, we wouldn’t be in this position without his goals or assists. We need him for the run-in.

Farke on referees

I had a telephone call with Kevin Friend [Select Group 2 Referee Manager at PGMOL], good call. Would lack a bit of class if I speak about it in public. Both of us hope for good performances at the weekend.

Farke on his 100th Leeds game

I wasn’t really aware. One of those topics you don’t have time to think about yourself. This club is so emotional and nervous, it feels as a manager you don’t just have to lead the team but also the supporters and whole staff. It’s great atmosphere, great setup to work for because you have the chance to make so many people happy. But it’s a big responsibility. Always have to be awake and switched on. In one second the world can be turned upside down. I wouldn’t say the club has changed me, it just takes lots of energy. Right now there is no time to recharge, we have to be switched on. Next weeks we have to be concentrated to achieve what we want to achieve.

Farke on Bamford

Patrick is always a confident player. He’s not scared to be in the spotlight, he’s searching for this. The players you want in your squad during a crunch time period. Knows what it takes to bring it over the line. In general we have a pretty young squad so every experienced player helps. Patrick plays now after being ruled out for such a long period, was quite often several injuries for him, I think he plays with his enthusiasm to be just back. He has missed playing football and you could feel it. He’s desperate to use every minute, but it’s not just about the starting lineup. You need players to impact the game when you bring them on. As a manager you want a group. Patrick had, especially in the last game days, and this was helpful for us.

Farke on emotion

Most important thing is to treat them like human beings. They can’t always be at their best but we don’t let the demands drop. Not to overdo things or extraordinary at this stage. Important they come with a smile everyday and enjoy what they’re doing. Outside world puts so much pressure on these young human beings. Important to create an atmosphere here where the players feel valued, trusted and backed where they can be themselves. If you play anxious football you can’t be at your best. Sometimes you can’t take nerves away but we always want to play brave.

Farke on avoiding complacency

It’s professional football, you always have something to play for, every team. I always speak about to play against a team that’s desperately fighting against relegation can be difficult. They do everything to survive but a team who has a bit less pressure, a bit more freedom, they can deliver better performances. Preston is a dangerous side, experienced, successful coach, manager at this level. Competitive and difficult to play against them. You always have to be on it. Wouldn’t underestimate. Don’t have big pressure to win this game to achieve a special position, but this makes them a little more dangerous, they can enjoy themselves more.

Farke on patience

Patience is an important skill but you don’t fall asleep. When you play from first minute we want to attack and score goals, this is our DNA. Important to stay patient if necessary. Can’t guarantee our supporters will be patient, we’re so emotional and on it. Just because I recommend it, doesn’t mean it will change. It’s more important on the pitch to keep the nerves and don’t react overly emotional.

Farke on mentality

We are calm and concentrated, don’t think about what happens in the weeks ahead. Right now we are always in the leading role, top position. Last season from gameday one we had a mountain to climb. It’s not a guarantee we’ll be a successful finish, stay concentrated on every game and what we can influence.

Farke on Bamford

Proper amount of mins definitely possible for him. We’ll still be careful in managing his load. We need him for upcoming four games during this season. We will see but he’s in good spirits, has delivered good performances.

Farke on Dan James

Tight race for him. Hamstring issue. And Sam Chambers is ill. All the other players - except Rothwell - are available.

Farke on team news

We have obviously our injured players with Struijk, today I can confirm his season is over. Fracture in his foot. Doesn’t need surgery. Out ten weeks.