Paul Robinson has voiced his support for Josuha Guilavogui to step into the defensive breach following the latest injury setback for Leeds United, with Pascal Struijk set for a significant spell on the sidelines. Struijk, who has been a key figure for Leeds, has suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out for up to three months, dealing a major blow to Daniel Farke’s side. The Dutch defender, who also serves as vice-captain, was unavailable for Leeds’ most recent match at Elland Road against Sheffield Wednesday, and the team is now facing the challenge of adapting to his absence for an extended period.
In Struijk’s absence, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were deployed together at centre-back, much like they were last season, forming a familiar partnership at the heart of Leeds’ defence. However, Robinson suggests that the real solution could come from 34-year-old Guilavogui, who has made an impression in his limited appearances for the club, particularly in a surprise appearance at centre-back during the FA Cup clash against Harrogate Town. Though it was only against League Two opposition, Guilavogui’s performance was solid enough to catch Robinson’s attention and open up the possibility of him filling in during Struijk’s absence.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson acknowledged the severity of Struijk’s injury and the importance of his leadership as vice-captain, but also expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to cope with the loss for a short period. “It’s a big blow, especially being the vice-captain. But Ampadu has come back into the team, and he’s one of the best footballers in the Championship – such a clever brain and versatile player,” Robinson explained. He continued by suggesting that while Ampadu could step into the centre-back role alongside Rodon, the squad is “a little bit light” in terms of depth in that position, which could make Guilavogui a viable option.
Guilavogui’s experience at the highest levels of European football, having played for prestigious clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Saint-Etienne, Wolfsburg, and Mainz, makes him a reliable and versatile option. While the Frenchman is primarily known for his midfield role, Robinson believes his defensive capabilities could be crucial for Leeds during this period of uncertainty. Despite his surprise appearance at centre-back in the FA Cup, Guilavogui has shown that he can adapt and provide the necessary support in the defensive line. Robinson suggested that, should Ampadu or Rodon miss any matches in the coming weeks, Guilavogui could be the go-to choice for Farke, especially given the limited alternatives in the squad.
Although Guilavogui’s preferred position is midfield, where he has more of an impact on the game, his ability to step into a defensive role could allow Ampadu to remain in midfield, a position where he has consistently been effective. Robinson noted that Ampadu has been one of the standout players in the Championship, and having him in midfield would be the ideal solution. Given the level of competition in the Championship, Robinson is confident that Leeds can cope without Struijk for a short period, but he also suggested that Farke may opt to stick with more tried-and-tested options unless further injuries force him to experiment.
Robinson further emphasized that, although the absence of Struijk is undoubtedly a setback, Leeds United has enough depth in the squad to manage in the short term. However, if the injury situation persists or worsens, Farke may have to look towards more unconventional solutions, such as Guilavogui in defence, to maintain balance within the squad. The manager has several options at his disposal, but for now, it seems likely that Farke will continue to rely on the core players like Ampadu and Rodon to hold things together at the back.
As Leeds United looks to navigate through Struijk’s absence, the team will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, particularly in defence. Robinson’s backing of Guilavogui could provide Farke with an extra option to strengthen the squad’s depth and maintain defensive stability during a challenging period. Whether or not Guilavogui gets more chances in central defence, his experience and versatility could prove invaluable as Leeds United aims to remain competitive in the Championship while dealing with this latest injury blow.