Archie Gray sends three-word message as Leeds United confirm shattering injury news
Archie Gray has sent a message of support to teammate Pascal Struijk, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Dutchman underwent surgery to repair a groin problem and will not return until the start of next term at the earliest – confirming the news on social media.
Gray sent his well-wishes to the 24-year-old in an Instagram comment and will hope to help Leeds over the line in their hunt for promotion back to the Premier League.
“Speedy recovery, Pasc,” said the England Under-21s ace.
Pascal Struijk’s absence a blow to Leeds’ promotion hopes
Left-sided central defender Struijk had been a reliable performer at the back for Leeds this term, starting all but two of the Whites’ first 24 Championship games and wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions.
However, he has not featured since the 2-1 Boxing Day defeat at Preston in which he scored his third goal of the campaign – adding to their long list of injury concerns.
Liam Cooper was initially called upon, but Ethan Ampadu has since been forced to drop from his holding midfield role into the back line alongside Joe Rodon in Struijk’s absence – and has also inherited the armband.
The new-look defence, including Gray at right-back, lost their first game without Struijk – a 1-0 reverse at West Brom – but are unbeaten in their 13 matches since, winning 12, and will hope that form can carry them all the way back to automatic promotion come the end of the season, even without their Dutch defender.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites defender may win his race to be fit in time to face Watford.
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