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Ethan Ampadu became the youngest Wales international to win 50 caps in March 2024 Ethan Ampadu is expected to undergo knee surgery and is a major doubt for the start of Wales' World Cup qualifying campaign at the end of March. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke says his captain will miss their upcoming Championship games with a second serious leg injury of the season. The 24-year-old was sidelined for 10 weeks after injuring his left knee against Coventry in September, and was forced to miss Monday's 3-1 win at Sheffield United with a similar problem on his other leg. "It's probably a serious injury, " said Farke. "It's a different knee. It's a bit too early to assess it but it looks like a cartilage injury and it's pretty clear he will need to have surgery in the upcoming days. " Ampadu, who plays both in defence and midfield, missed four matches of Wales' autumn Nations League campaign and sat out 12 Leeds games. He now faces missing crucial matches in Leeds' title run-in, plus qualifiers at home against Kazakhstan on 22 March and in North Macedonia three days later for Craig Bellamy's national team. "It's a bit too soon to give a time frame for how long he will be out for, " added Farke. "It depends a bit on how it works, but he definitely won't be available for the next upcoming games at least and it's a big blow for us. "What are the chances of two big injuries in one season after not missing a minute last season? " Ethan Ampadu joined Leeds from Chelsea in 2023 after loan spells in Germany, Italy and at Sheffield United Despite missing Monday's top-of-the-table encounter at Bramall Lane, Ampadu took a full part in celebrating Leeds comeback victory which extended their Championship lead over Sheffield United to five points. Farke's side are now seven points clear of third-placed Burnley with 12 games to go in their bid to return to the Premier League after two seasons out of the top flight. They host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, their only remaining game this season against a side currently in the top six. After March's opening two games, Wales' next qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are in June when they host Liechtenstein before travelling to Belgium. Their four remaining matches in Group J come at the start of the 2025-26 season. Better news for Bellamy has been the form of Leeds' Welsh winger Dan James. The 27-year-old former Swansea City and Manchester United forward provided two assists as the Championship leaders scored three late goals to beat Sheffield United. James has scored 10 goals for Leeds this season, including two in the 4-0 win at Watford on 11 February. 'Over my dead body' - Arteta refuses to concede title race Galatasaray accuse Mourinho of making 'racist statements' Is India v Pakistan still cricket's greatest rivalry? Andy Zaltzman's topical panel show Ian Smith and Zoe Lyons join the show more jokes on the week's news stories Your first look at an explosive Agatha Christie adaptation Murder strikes at a coastal estate, where a volatile mix of guests have gathered What does it mean to be 'rebellious'? Actress Radhika Apte joins Poppy and Rubina to talk about their biggest acts of rebellion Fresh faces but the same glossy drama Get behind the filter at Scotland’s biggest influencer agency Lions watch week three: Fly-halves, back three & captain How might four Rangers men fare in their hour of need? Fashion forwards: Great goals in great Premier League kits. Video Fashion forwards: Great goals in great Premier League kits Sutton's predictions v singer Paige Cavell Is Salah set for greatest individual Premier League season? Crumbling fortresses - why are teams struggling to win at home? Inside the doping deal for tennis' world number one 'Let's call it now - the title race is over, Liverpool will be champions' Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? 'England have found an edge to bounce back' Everybody wants Usyk - what next for the heavyweights? England find a way to win to stay in title mix Leeds-born Coventry fan Inglis gives England blues with riotous knock 'Missed opportunities haunt Scotland on rough day' 'Holte End have a new hero' - Rashford shines in Aston Villa win What to look out for in MLS this season Lionesses have 'lots to work on' but Wiegman 'not concerned' Women's football pioneer honoured by James painting Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.