Those wins have left Leeds five points clear at the top of the division but Ampadu has warned that a test “no different” to Sheffield United and Sunderland now presents itself with Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against fifth-placed West Brom.

As Smith alluded to, Leeds have enough depth to cope without Ampadu in midfield, where he arguably performs at the peak of his powers, but the captain also filled in seamlessly alongside his compatriot Rodon during Struijk's four-game absence at the turn of the year.

Farke confirmed the club captain, who travelled to Bramall Lane and celebrated with the rest of the squad at the final whistle following their thrilling win, suffered a knee cartilage injury in training. He admits it is "50/50" that Ampadu could be back for the final dozen matches of the season.