July 1 recovery plan lined up for Leeds United star who hasn’t kicked a ball in 2024 – Report

However, a hip problem arose over Christmas as he scored in the defeat to Preston, then missed the final game of 2023 and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season.

Pascal Struijk has set a July 1 return for pre-season at Leeds

Struijk, of course, has been out of action for around six months since being forced into surgery in March as his hip problem has not recovered as Daniel Farke and the medical staff had hoped.

Pre-season could be huge for the Dutch defender as he re-establishes himself as a regular starter under the German manager.

The Yorkshire Evening Post said when each player will return for pre-season next month, and for Struijk, he aims to be recovered and back in training for the first day on July 1:

“Struijk spent the whole of 2024 rehabilitating and recovering from a troublesome groin injury that eventually required surgery.

“He’ll be as keen as anyone to get back into the swing of things at the very start of Farke’s pre-season programme.”

Will Leeds be promoted next season?

Struijk’s return is huge for Leeds’ promotion hopes

Leeds have been great in the first two months without Struijk, but not because Ethan Ampadu replaced him, but for a number of reasons in the line-up.

What is clear is that our dip in form after the international break in March would have been significantly lessened if Struijk had been there.

He is our best defender and having him back for the full pre-season could be huge for how Farke builds a title-winning team.