Pontus Jansson’s injury appears to have come at a fortunate time for Leeds United, given the international break which is set to commence with Euro 2020 qualifiers this week.

Leeds United confirmed on Monday morning that Jansson had to withdraw from the Swedish squad due to a knee injury he suffered against Sheffield United on Saturday and will begin rehab at the club this week. Indeed, the 28-year-old is expected to be sidelined for no more than three weeks, meaning he won’t miss a lot of Championship action given the international break.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa would be a relieved man after Jansson was forced to play both striker and goalkeeper against the Blades on Saturday, while carrying the knee injury. Jansson was unable to be substituted for treatment, because the Whites had used all of their allowed three bench players and he was forced to move to striker due to his inability to move freely.

The former Torino player than had to go in-goal after Kiko Casilla was red carded in stoppage time, certainly making it an eventful day at Elland Road.

Fortunately, Jansson only had to see out the game for a short period of time before the final whistle blew.

The international break now gives the defender – who everyone will agree is beyond crucial on his day – a good period to make a proper recovery before the club’s next match against Millwall at the end of the month.

But, Jansson could still be busy with his rehab that stage and his Argentine coach will be hoping he could be ready for the trip to Birmingham City early in April. The loss against Sheffield United have seen Leeds slip to third on the Championship table and given how good and consistent Jansson has been this season, Bielsa would need him back as soon as possible if Leeds were to secure automatic qualification to the Premier League next season.

Norwich City currently occupy first spot on the league table with a four-point gap over Sheffield and don’t look likely to give their place as leaders away.

Leeds need all the boosts they can get at this point and, strangely, an injury to one of their best players at the right time might actually be a good thing.

Leeds United fans, how likely is it you think you’ll be going up? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below…