Leeds United will be hoping they are not without a vital player for a prolonged spell.
Of all Leeds United’s summer signings there is little doubt who has impressed the most, with Swedish centre-back Pontus Jansson looking exceptional at the heart of the Whites’ defence and helping them to three successive league victories prior to their setback against Bristol City.
Things were working well for Leeds heading into half-time on Tuesday. However a hamstring injury forced Jansson off at the break and Garry Monk’s side went on to lose 1-0, with their back-line looking considerably nervier in his absence.
For all Jansson’s innate ability and dominance, his presence also appears to have a calming influence on fellow loanee Kyle Bartley.
The latter took time to settle at Elland Road after arriving from Swansea City, but Jansson’s ability has turned Bartley into a considerably better option than he looked when playing alongside Liam Cooper.
Leeds fans will be hoping Jansson’s injury is not as bad as feared and that he was taken off merely as a precaution; because if he is out for a while Bartley ‘s own form could suffer and that is bad news for a team that were looking very much on the up in recent weeks.
Bartley certainly has the talent to step up and be the leader in Jansson’s absence, yet on the evidence to date it is the Swede who brings the best out of the former Arsenal man, not the other way round.
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