Daniel Farke says he fully trusts Ethan Ampadu to put in a “pretty good performance” when he plays at centre-back alongside fellow Welshman Joe Rodon but stopped short of suggesting the partnership is a long-term option.

Leeds United captain Ampadu was required to play in defence amid the absence of Pascal Struijk. The 25-year-old is sidelined with a hamstring injury with an initial recovery time of three weeks.

However, results from a scan later this week will determine whether he might be out for longer, with Farke concerned that he could be out for as much as three months should he have damaged his tendon.

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Ampadu, of course, is no stranger to playing at centre-back and performed well alongside countryman Rodon in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

When asked about whether Ampadu could be a long-term option there if Struijk is out for many months, Farke said: “Joe and Ethan, even last season, our Welsh wall I think was a record in terms of clean sheets and the stability in our defence was really good. It’s just different.

“We’re just lacking a little bit the physicality and also the streetwise football and sharpness of Ethan in the midfield because we don't have 100 per cent a similar player like him in this area. With Pascal Struijk, we are still a bit bigger and taller and stronger in terms of set-pieces in defending and also attacking.

“The balance changes a little bit. If Pascal is not available we need to find some good solutions and today we got the feeling it was the best solution and I trust Ethan to play there.

“I wouldn’t say it’s our solution right now for the run-in but we know he can produce pretty good performances with Joe Rodon, he’s also used to play with him in this role but they are also other options. Hopefully Pascal if not out too much longer we shall see.”