Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen has admitted that the prognosis for injured centre-back Pontus Jansson is not promising, and he is expected to miss a few games.
Jansson was stretchered off the field during the Whites’ 4-1 home loss to Cardiff City, with the Swedish talisman colliding with Sol Bamba and injuring his ankle.
The 26-year-old’s injury adds to Leeds’ defensive crisis which has seen Luke Ayling ruled out for the rest of the season, Liam Cooper serving a four-match ban, with Gaetano Berardi now about to serve a ban of his own after seeing red agains the Bluebirds.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Christiansen provided the worrying update, saying: “Pontus’ injury is not looking good, he has an ankle problem and it is another player who will miss the next games, along with Berardi and the other players who are suspended and it is difficult to make a team right now.
“It is very difficult to compete in the Championship with so many players out, but we have to fight with who we have and stick together.”
Leeds current crisis extends beyond their defence, with star attacker Samu Saiz serving a six-match ban for spitting, Eunan O’Kane serving a three-match ban for a headbutt, and Kalvin Phillips a two-match suspension for ten yellow cards.
OPINION
Jansson’s injury is a cruel blow for Leeds and for Christiansen. The Swede has been instrumental for the club for the past few seasons, and his talismanic form always brought the best out of others. However, they will now have to do without him, with Conor Shaughnessy and Matthew Pennington the only available centre-backs. Berardi’s suspension is another blow, and adds to growing frustration surrounding the side’s discipline. Four key players have been suspended recently, and that is not good enough from a team who are chasing promotion.