Leeds United have struggled without Pontus Jansson when he has not been available. Could they cope if he was banned for three games?
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring their first goal
Leeds United are riding high in the play-off spots, surpassing early season expectations to sit in fifth position.
Key to their success has been defender Pontus Jansson, but the Swede’s disciplinary record is a worrying could hanging over their season.
Jansson has picked up 12 yellow cards already, and the Yorkshire Evening Post report that if he receives another three more then he will face an automatic three game ban.
Liam Cooper has performed well below Jansson’s level when called upon, and has appeared either low on confidence or nervous of making an error.
Leeds have a seven point advantage over seventh placed Norwich City, but have begun to lose form in recent weeks, slipping down from the third place they previously occupied.
As the season enters a crucial phase, Leeds can ill afford to be without their inspirational centre-back, meaning Jansson must attempt to curb his aggressive style and walk a disciplinary tightrope between now and the end of the season.
Leeds’ penultimate game of the season is at home to play-off chasing Norwich, who Jansson scored against in their previous encounter.
They can ill afford to lose him to suspension ahead of such a crucial game, but with the threat hanging over them, it is a worry Jansson will have to learn to cope with for the rest of the campaign.
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring against Norwich
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
