Leeds United: Daniel Farke praying over Ilia Gruev as injury update emerges v Coventry City
Daniel Farke will be praying over the fitness of Ilia Gruev as Leeds United prepare to face Coventry City in the Championship on Saturday (8 April).
The Bulgarian has emerged as one of the manager’s favourite players, creating a formidable partnership in midfield with Glen Kamara and keeping Ethan Ampadu in the centre-back position.
The Whites will know that Gruev took a while to settle into life at Elland Road, but it seems Leeds no longer function as well without the 23-year-old in the starting XI.
Despite this, the midfielder has not played for Leeds since the 2-0 victory over Millwall on Sunday 17 March, having returned from the international break with an ankle injury.
His presence was certainly missed as Farke’s side clawed back a 2-2 draw against Watford, and the midfield seemed invisible against Hull City despite claiming a 3-1 win.
Daniel Farke needs Ilia Gruev ahead of Leeds United v Coventry City
While both Leeds’ defence and attack choose themselves, the midfield is not such a sure selection, with Archie Gray, who has been moved to full-back this season, sometimes selected in the middle of the park.
Though when Gruev is fit, he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet, which is why Farke will be sweating over the 23-year-old’s fitness ahead of the Coventry clash.
Speaking in his pre-match conference on Thursday (4 April), as per the club’s official X account, Farke was quoted as saying: “A few are on the road to come back. Gruev is the closest because he’s limited only by pain and swelling but hasn’t trained with the team.
“We have 48 hours before the game, so there’s a little chance he’s available.”
Fans at Elland Road will be hoping that the manager is playing mind games, rather than actually worrying about Gruev’s availability.
Leeds are in desperate need of having all their best players available in the end-of-season run-in, competing against Leicester City and Ipswich Town for automatic promotion.
In other Leeds news, Farke has addressed calls for young striker Mateo Joseph to start ahead of Patrick Bamford against Coventry this weekend.
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