Leeds United have been linked to Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri after many injuries depleted their squad.
The Whites sit in third place in the Championship, two points off the league leaders Sunderland. Leeds have only lost one league game since August.
Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev have picked up major injuries and both players could be out for the rest of the year. Summer signings Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have had to fill in.
With the sales of Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, Leeds’ midfield depth is not looking great.
Leeds United could look to transfer market for midfield depth
The injury situation at the championship club has become a problem; Ethan Ampadu who played 46 league games last season picked up an injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the year. Daniel Farke says the midfielder could be back in January:
“It’s a serious knee injury, he has damaged his lateral ligament – the doctors have recommended a conservative treatment so he doesn’t need surgery,”
“It’s difficult to predict how long he will be out but it’s realistic to speak about 10 weeks until he can return to team training.
Leeds United FC v Coventry City FC – Sky Bet Championship Ethan Ampadu Leeds United goes off injured after a challenge with Ben Sheaf Coventry City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Coventry City at Elland Road in Leeds, England, on September 28, 2024. Leeds West Yorkshire United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xMIxNewsx originalFilename:fletcher-leedsuni240928_npZoT.jpg
“It could be a few days more or less depending on the rehab. At the moment we expect him to be back in training at some point in December but he will need a bit of team training before he’s available.
“We expect him to be back [playing] at some point in January.”
Illia Gruev also damaged his meniscus and his timeline for recovery is unknown.
Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri linked with move to Championship club
Ethan Nwaneri has been one of the bright spots for the Gunners this season. The 17-year old midfielder has featured in four games this season. Nwaneri scored a brace in his first start of the season against Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup.
Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas backed the young midfielder to make his mark this season.
“I have no doubt, that if Mikel [Arteta] puts him in the starting 11, or even on during the game, it’s because he’s seen that he’s good enough to make an impact.
“He’s on his [Arteta’s] mind and if he’s part of the squad it’s because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.”
Football League World has Ethan Nwaneri on a list of targets for Leeds United. Any potential move for Nwaneri would have to be in the January window.
If Leeds do want to bring the youngster on loan, Mikel Arteta would have a big decision to make. Nwaneri’s latest cameo against Bournemouth made an impression on Arsenal fans.
