Leeds United: Pundit issues Ethan Ampadu plea after Daniel Farke's positive injury update | OneFootball

Robinson believes Daniel Farke shouldn't look to force Ampadu back into action too early.

Former England international Paul Robinson believes Leeds United should not rush Ethan Ampadu back into action prematurely.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, he made these comments after manager Daniel Farke revealed to the Yorkshire Evening Post that the Wales international was ahead of schedule in his quest to recover from a knee injury.

This is a massive boost for the Whites, who have seen Ampadu become a key part of their team since his arrival from Chelsea last year.

Moving to the club following their relegation from the Premier League, he helped them to secure a 90-point finish at the end of last term and was nearly able to guide the team back to the top flight at the first time of asking, with their play-off final preventing them from achieving this aim in the end.

He was also able to make an impact during the early stages of this season, but he hasn't been in action since he was withdrawn against Coventry City, with the player sustaining a severe knee injury.

With Ilia Gruev being ruled out of action not long after, the Whites had to seriously consider whether to use the free agent market to address their central midfield area, which had been depleted by those injuries.

More competition was clearly needed for Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka - and Josuha Guilavogui was signed on a deal until the end of the season.

Paul Robinson issues plea to Leeds United after Ethan Ampadu update

Even with Guilavogui coming in, they ideally need Ampadu back in action, considering they don't have a huge amount of depth in central midfield and central defence, two areas the Welshman can operate in.

But Robinson has urged his former team not to rush the player back into action too quickly.

He told MOT Leeds News: "It’d be a huge boost. Ampadu and Gruev were the two midfield anchors before they both suffered long-term injuries at the same time.

"The manager will be extremely pleased with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell coming in and doing well, but for Ampadu to be fit, he’s a huge part of the team and he’s the team captain.

"If you can get any player of his quality back quicker, it’s good but you shouldn’t rush them back because you’d rather have them fit for the rest of the season than have them break down after two or three games.

"It’s important to make sure he’s completely right. With how Tanaka and Rothwell are playing, there’s no immediate rush to get him back into the side."

Paul Robinson has delivered the perfect verdict on Ethan Ampadu's situation

It seems as though the Whites could still be without Ampadu for a couple of months, which is a shame.

Having been such an integral part of the team since his arrival, with his passing and contributions centrally allowing him to be a real asset, he will be gutted about the fact he's missing games for club and country.

He will be eager to get back out on the pitch as quickly as possible, as he looks to guide the Whites back to the top level of English football.

Rushing him back, however, wouldn't be the responsible thing to do.

If he breaks down again, it could be disastrous, so the Whites must manage him carefully.