Leeds United’s ever-present captain is set for a lengthy spell out.
Joe Rodon isn’t used to playing football without Ethan Ampadu and admits his teammate for club and country will be a ‘massive loss’.
Ampadu is a notable absence from Wales’ upcoming Nations League meetings with Iceland and Montenegro, having suffered a serious injury to the lateral collateral ligament in his knee during Leeds United’s 3-0 win over Coventry City last month. The 24-year-old is expected to miss 10 weeks and will not play competitive football this year.
He and Rodon had been almost constant presences at Leeds since their arrival just over a year ago, forming the basis of a burgeoning Welsh contingent in West Yorkshire and spending much of last season as defensive partners. Ampadu’s absence from action has not gone unnoticed at the national team camp.
“It’s strange because for the past year and a half, I’ve been with Ethan every step of the way,” Rodon told The Independent. “It’s much quieter without him here, but knowing how strong he is, I’m confident he’ll recover quickly.
“He serves as the team’s anchor and protection. He smells out danger and sees things others don’t. He has remarkable skill with both feet, as evidenced by the manner he plays ball. He’s done an excellent job as a leader, and everyone is aware of his personality.
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“He’ll be a huge loss, but we have a squad and, with our coaching staff, everyone knows their roles. If one person misses out, another joins in.
Leeds pair on Wales duty
If Karl Darlow had not been a surprise addition, Rodon would have been https://sportupdates.co.uk/ the only Leeds player to play for Wales this break. Illan Meslier’s backup received his first call-up in September at the age of 33, and made a good debut against Montenegro.
Darlow was born in Northampton and had previously turned down advances from Wales, where he is linked through his former professional footballer grandpa Ken Leek, but opted to take the opportunity when it was presented to him by Craig Bellamy. And it appears Rodon may have played a factor in the change of heart.
“He signed for Leeds just before me, and we were staying at the same hotel,” the Whites’ defender remarked of Darlow. “We went to dinner one night, and I told you, ‘I’m sure you can play for Wales.'” To be fair, he did not turn it down. I suppose he was surprised that I knew.
“I know his qualities working with him every day. He’s only going to benefit the group and add to the level. We’ve had a good start but that’s kind of gone for us now. We want to build and improve as a group. So we’re looking forward to the game on Friday and hopefully we can continue our momentum and keep getting better.”
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