Leeds United's season threatened to hit the self destruct button earlier today as a loss to Sheffield United saw them drop out of the top two.

While the loss will be hard to take for the Whites, there were bigger issues too at hand, as goalkeeper Kiko Casilla saw red and influential defender Pontus Jansson suffered an injury which could well see him miss a significant amount of time pending the outcome of a scan.

The big Swedish defender suffered the injury when putting in a last ditch tackle on the marauding Chris Basham, and would later put himself in the net when the aforementioned Casilla was given his marching orders late in the day.

However, the news of Jansson potentially having an injury - he looked in plenty of pain holding his knee - could have a massive bearing on how the Whites perform between now and the end of the season.

With that in mind, it could well pose a big threat to Leeds' promotion hopes, and we at FLW looked at TWO reasons why losing Jansson could well cost them promotion...

He's irreplaceable to be honest

While the likes of Berardi can come in and do a job, Jansson brings so much more to the table than just being a good defender.

His passion, leadership, and commitment could be vital for Leeds going forward into the final eight games.

If he is indeed injured, he will be a huge loss at the back just when the club need him most.

It gives other clubs a lift

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With the games coming thick and fast in the final few months of the season, opposition clubs will see the omission of Jansson and be encouraged about getting a result.

A team without Jansson is always going to be weaker, and while Leeds will be confident of winning without him, it does give other clubs a boost.

If he is indeed missing, it just makes the mountain harder for Leeds to climb, and could well have a huge bearing on their promotion hopes.