Andy Ritchie has admitted that Liam Bridcutt’s injury is a big blow for Leeds, but the former Whites striker has called on head coach Garry Monk to “take that on the chin” and work towards finding a solution.

The Yorkshire giants, whose four-game winning run in all competitions came to an end with a 1-0 loss to Bristol City in the Championship on Tuesday, confirmed on Thursday that the defensive midfielder has suffered a fracture in his foot.




Bridcutt is expected to remain sidelined for six to eight weeks, but Monk insisted that the 27-year-old could return to action sooner if he is a good healer.

And Ritchie, who acknowledged that Bridcutt’s injury will indeed hamper Leeds’ plans, however, urged Monk to deliver without his skipper.
 


“On the pitch, Leeds have a bit of momentum too and are on a decent run and are playing better and look solid at the back”, Ritchie wrote in his column in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

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“The news that Liam Bridcutt is out for a spell with a foot injury is a blow, though.

“Just when you think you are going on top of things… But Garry has to take that on the chin and work out a solution to that.”

Bridcutt, who initially joined Leeds on a short-term loan deal from Sunderland in 2015 before deciding to extend his stay at Elland Road for the remainder of the season, was snapped up by the Whites permanently on a two-year contract in the summer.

He has thus far made four Championship appearances this season.