Leeds United statement reveals Ilia Gruev injury extent and surgery update before Sunderland visit — YEP 3/10/24

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By Graham Smyth

Leeds United have confirmed the full extent of Ilia Gruev's knee problem as he joins Ethan Ampadu on the long-term injury list.

Gruev went down in need of treatment during the first half of Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Norwich City and although he attempted to come back on and play, he soon sank back to the turf and had to be replaced. The sight of the Bulgarian international limping off was a hammer blow for Leeds, who lost captain and Gruev's midfield partner Ampadu to knee ligament damage on Saturday.

Ampadu, for whom doctors have recommended a conservative treatment approach, is expected back in team training in around 10 weeks and might play again in January. Gruev, however, requires surgery after suffering a 'significant' injury to his meniscus. The YEP understands Gruev is looking at months out of action, rather than weeks.

A club statement read: "Leeds United midfielder and Bulgaria international Ilia Gruev sustained an injury to his right knee during the club’s Sky Bet Championship draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road on Tuesday, which saw him withdrawn in the 20th minute. Further assessment revealed Ilia has sustained a significant injury to his meniscus and will undergo surgery in the coming days which will require an extended period of rehabilitation. Everyone at Leeds United sends their best wishes to Ilia and we wish him a speedy recovery."

Whites boss Daniel Farke is now without both of his senior central defensive midfielders, who until Tuesday's visit to Carrow Road had started each Championship game so far this season. Summer signings Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, who are offensive-minded number 8s by trade, formed a central midfield partnership in the wake of Gruev's exit on Tuesday and the pair will be expected to hold down the fort until the new year at least.

Farke has confirmed that Leeds will at least explore the free agent market for a potential solution to what has quickly become an injury crisis. The Leeds boss admitted he was not a fan of signing players in October due to match fitness issues and various reasons why players out of work at this time of year might actually be problematic additions.

Ampadu was also considered Farke's first-choice replacement should Pascal Struijk become unavailable. His second-choice, Max Wober, has also suffered a knee injury and will be out for six weeks after having surgery. Cover is now thin on the ground for Leeds' central defence and in midfield, while wingers Manor Solomon and Daniel James are both out. Full-back Isaac Schmidt missed the visit to Norwich with a glute issue.

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