The Leeds United midfielder has been integral for them this season and his absence was keenly felt against Cardiff City.
Leeds United headed into their top-of-the-table clash against Cardiff City in high spirits, but they ended it severely deflated as the Bluebirds ran out 3-1 winners.
It was a comfortable victory for the hosts, in no small part due to the absence of Eunan O’Kane for the Whites. And while Mateusz Klich struggled to replicate the performance that so impressed against Burnley, it was the shadow of his missing teammate that loomed large.
O’Kane had played all but 34 minutes of Leeds’ league campaign prior to Tuesday’s match, but illness ruled him out and the Whites paid the price.
As good as Kalvin Phillips has been this season, the presence of O’Kane alongside the Leeds youngster has been vital, and this was not the match in which to give Klich his first league start.
Far better – in hindsight of course – to pick Ronaldo Vieira from the outset; a player who knows the Championship having excelled there last season.
Leeds will be hoping O’Kane is back for the weekend fixture against Sheffield Wednesday – another away clash that will test the Whites’ mettle – and it is now clear that manager Thomas Christiansen cannot afford to overlook the Republic of Ireland international any more than he has to.
Tuesday’s absence was unavoidable, and Leeds fans will be hoping those instances are few and far between from now on.
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