Sheffield United’s promotion rivals have been handed a significant boost during the international break.
Leeds United, who are locked in a tight battle with Sheffield United for automatic promotion from the Championship, have received encouraging news as two of their most experienced players edge closer to returning from injury.
Currently leading the Championship on goal difference, Leeds are level on points with second-placed United, while Burnley trail just two points behind in third. Daniel Farke’s side appeared poised to pull away after their win at Bramall Lane earlier this month but have since taken just five points from four matches, allowing Sheffield United to erase the five-point gap.
One of Leeds’ biggest absences during this slump has been Ethan Ampadu, who was unexpectedly missing from the squad for the South Yorkshire trip and has been sidelined for the past four games due to a knee cartilage injury. This is Ampadu’s second significant knee issue of the season, and initial fears suggested he might miss the remainder of the campaign if surgery was required.
Ethan Ampadu Nears Return
However, Leeds opted for a more conservative rehabilitation approach, and the Yorkshire Evening Post now reports that Ampadu is expected to rejoin full team training after the international break. The club captain has been increasing his workload in recent weeks, and there is optimism that he could return to action sooner than originally anticipated. Striker Patrick Bamford is also expected to rejoin training soon, providing another timely boost.
Ampadu’s return, in particular, would be a major lift for Leeds at a crucial stage of the season. With their captain in the starting lineup, Leeds average 2.4 points per game, a figure that drops to 1.85 when he is absent. That 0.55-point difference per game could prove decisive in the tight promotion race, where the smallest margins often determine success. If Ampadu resumes full training this week, he could be ready to start in a couple of weeks, just in time for the final six games of the season.
Major Boost for Leeds in the Promotion Battle
Over six matches, that 0.55-point improvement could potentially earn Leeds an extra three points—exactly the kind of edge that can make the difference in a tight promotion race. While the final run-in rarely follows statistical predictions, Ampadu’s imminent return remains a significant advantage for Leeds as they push for a top-two finish.
Sheffield United Hope to Benefit from the Break
Meanwhile, Sheffield United will be hoping to capitalize on the two-week break as they address their own injury concerns. The Blades were nearing a crisis at right-back with injuries to Femi Seriki, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Harry Clarke, and Alfie Gilchrist. Fortunately, Hamza Choudhury was able to step in until Seriki regained enough fitness to start.
Manager Chris Wilder acknowledged the importance of the break, telling The Star last week: “We’ve got a few players who are going away, some who need rest and recovery as they’ve been playing through knocks and injuries. There are also a few who missed out against [Sheffield] Wednesday but will have the chance to be involved against Coventry. We’ll look to maximize all those situations over the next two weeks.”
