Leeds United dealt major injury blow ahead of Watford clash as two ruled out for the season in QPR and Millwall boost

Leeds United will be without Pascal Struijk for the remainder of the Championship season after the defender underwent surgery on a hip injury earlier this week.

The 24-year-old last played for the Whites on Boxing Day and was initially not expected to be out for long but his injury has proven more complicated than anticipated, and has now resulted in him going under the knife.

He is expected to return during pre-season training with Leeds only sending the player for surgery due to their strength in depth in the centre back position. Midfielder Ethan Ampadu has been able to drop into the role alongside Tottenham Hotspur loanee Joe Rodon while Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell are both fit and available to take on the Hornets on Friday.

"A decision was made, he already had his surgery last Monday," Farke told reporters on Wednesday afternoon, via the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"[It was] long and complicated, more than two hours, it went well, he started his first steps in the rehab process. He will miss out the rest of the season."

Meanwhile, Leeds midfielder Darko Gyabi - who is on loan at Plymouth Argyle - is likely to miss the rest of campaign after he also underwent groin surgery and returned to West Yorkshire to complete his rehabilitation programme.

The former Manchester City player joined Plymouth in January until the end of the season to aid their relegation battle. The Devon outfit are just two points behind Millwall in 16th and one point ahead of QPR, who sit 20th.

Plymouth still play both clubs before the end of the season as they host QPR on April 9 before travelling to The Den on April 27.

A Leeds statement confirmed: "Leeds United can confirm Pascal Struijk and Darko Gyabi have undergone groin surgery. Both players will now be out for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, whilst they go through their rehabilitation at Thorp Arch.

"Everyone at the club wishes them well in their recovery and we look forward to them returning to action with the team as soon as they are ready to do so. "