Daniel Farke issues positive Ethan Ampadu update as Leeds United captain in 'final stages'

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu is closing in on a return to training as he continues to recover from a knee ligament injury.

He was forced off in the 3-0 home victory against Coventry City in September. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have both filled in and impressed since.

Ampadu was named club captain in July, a year after joining from Chelsea. He made nine club appearances and won two caps for Wales, this term, before getting injured.

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Speaking ahead of the Swansea City fixture, manager Daniel Farke gave an update on the Wales international. Ampadu will not be available imminently, but will making a return to training soon.

"Ethan is in the final stages of his rehab," Farke said. "He won't train next week with the team, but maybe after that he can hopefully join us and be a big boost."

Midfield partner Ilia Gruev suffered a meniscus injury a week after Ampadu, leaving Leeds with a selection problem. Speaking last week to BBC Radio Leeds, the former Chelsea youngster gave an update on his injury and revealed that he and Gruev have helped each other throughout the rehab.

"The recovery is going well," Ampadu said. "There's still a bit of healing that needs to be done but I'm quite happy with it.

"We've helped each other because there can be some lonely days when you're doing rehab. You don't want to wish there is another player with you but it's the situation we're in and we pick each other up. We're both hardworking individuals so it was naturally going to happen."