Pascal Struijk
Netherlands
Left
Aug 11, 1999
26
6'3"
174 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
Exits with muscular fatigue
Struijk was substituted in the 83rd minute of Saturday's 0-0 draw against Brentford due to muscular fatigue, according to coach Daniel Farke, per the Yorkshire Post. "I hope it's just a cramp and nothing major. The first assessment was okay so not an injury, just a bit fatigued because he had many sprints today. The game was stretched. We had to defend many counter-attacks against players like [Kevin] Schade and [Igor] Thiago and later on [Dango] Ouattara. He had to put lots of high-speed distance in and I think he was just a bit tired. It shouldn't be too bad."
Analysis: Struijk had a busy outing in Saturday's clash against the Bees, piling up seven clearances and one tackle while dealing with wave after wave of counter-attacks before muscular fatigue forced him off in the 83rd minute. The defender did not pick up any kind of injury and should use the international break to get back to full fitness as he remains a locked-in starter on the back line for Leeds United.
Makes starting XI
Struijk (hip) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Struijk makes the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa after missing the last two matches across all competitions due to a hip injury. The defender had been an undisputed starter prior to his setback and resumes that role immediately upon his return. His presence should help solidify the back line.
Returns to squad
Struijk (hip) is back available and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Good news, Stach, Struijk, Dan James are back in training and available."
Analysis: Struijk is back available and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa after missing the last two matches across all competitions due to a hip injury. The defender had been an undisputed starter prior to his setback, and his return could help solidify the back line.
Won't make FA Cup action
Struijk (hip) is not an option for Sunday's match against Birmingham, according to manager Daniel Farke. "I don't think Pascal will be involved in this game."
Analysis: Struijk will not be with the team as they take the field on Sunday, as he is still recovering from a hip injury. The good news is that with the defender just nearly missing out, a return shouldn't take too much longer. He will then eye the next match when facing Aston Villa on Feb. 21, as he is a lead defender when fit for the club.
Suffers hip injury
Struijk (hip) suffered an injury in recent days and is ruled out for Tuesday's clash against Chelsea, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Bad news is Pascal. He will definitely miss this game. He has got some problems after the game with his hip flexor. And the turnaround is a bit too quick, so he will definitely miss this game."
Analysis: Struijk has picked up a hip flexor injury and has been officially ruled out of Tuesday's showdown against the Blues. The defender is expected to undergo further evaluation later this week, which should clarify the severity of the problem and provide a clearer timetable for his return. He has been a mainstay in the starting XI this season, therefore his absence leaves a notable hole at the back, likely pushing Sebastiaan Bornauw into the lineup as the next man up while he recovers.
Registers first assist
Struijk assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Struijk recorded his first assist of the season as his ball was found by Brenden Aaronson, resulting in the team's lone goal. He also produced a season-high three tackles won and three interceptions, along with four clearances, accumulating 55 clearances in his last nine matches.
Strong defensive display in draw
Struijk recorded four tackles (two won), 14 clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Struijk was heavily involved in the defensive effort, which helped Leeds to an away draw at Brentford. he made 14 clearances, won two of his four tackles and made one interception. The centre back also created two chances in the game, his most in any game this season.
Available off bench
Struijk (undisclosed) is on the bench for Friday's game against West Ham United.
Analysis: The defender missed training earlier in the week, but he was still deemed healthy enough to be an option off the bench. This means Jaka Bijol will start alongside Joe Rodon at center-back against the Hammers.
Misses training
Struijk was absent from trainign Wednesday and is questionable for Friday's match against West Ham, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Also, Pascal missed team training today, so also question marks about their availability."
Analysis: Struijk is dealing with an injury heading into this weeks match, as the defender suffered an injury that would force him out of training. This is a rough development for both parties, as the defender will now need topass some testing to play and the club could be without a regular starter in the defnese, having yet to miss the starting XI this season. The club would then be forced into a change if he missed time, with Jaka Bijol or Sebastiaan Bornauw as possible replacements.
Consistent starter on defense
Struijk has started and played the full 90 in every game for Leeds United this season.
Analysis: The Dutch defender has been a solid player at the back for Leeds, and he's been a steady source of defensive stats in a team that has only one clean sheet in 2025/26. Struijk is averaging 7.0 clearances per game this term.
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