Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Fri 24 April 2026 8:10, UK

Anton Stach is among the Leeds United players to send a message of support to Ilia Gruev, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Daniel Farke confirmed reports on Thursday that Gruev will not play again this campaign due to a meniscus injury.

It is a cruel blow for midfielder Gruev, who has played in 23 of Leeds’ 34 Premier League matches up to this point.

Gruev is a popular member of the squad at Thorp Arch, as could be seen from the number of messages sent his way upon confirmation of the injury blow.

And with the injury unlikely to keep him out for the start of next season, Gruev will now begin his rehabilitation programme.

Ilia Gruev ‘gutted’ as message sent to Leeds United fans

Gruev may well have played his final game for Leeds, given he has been linked with a summer exit from Elland Road.

The Bulgaria international may have been used pretty regularly this campaign, but he has totalled just 1,334 minutes on the field.

Still, Farke will be disappointed that he is no longer able to call upon squad player Gruev this season, with a massive FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea now just days away.

Gruev took to social media on Thursday to post a message to Leeds fans, with the aim of getting back as soon as possible.

“Gutted to be out for the rest of the season, especially with such a great game ahead of us this Sunday,” he said.

“It hurts not to be out there on the pitch with the boys, but I’ll definitely be there to support them from the sidelines. Time to focus on my recovery now – I’ll be back stronger.

“And good luck to my teammates – I’m sure we will continue our incredible journey through the final games of this big season.”

A number of Leeds players replied to the message, with Illan Meslier saying: “My brother.”

Gabriel Gudmundsson said “coming back stronger”, meanwhile, and Pascal Struijk posted two love heart emojis.

Stach also commented “come back stronger”, which is something every Leeds United supporter can get fully behind.

Does Gruev have a future at Leeds beyond this summer?

Gruev has not exactly been the first name on the teamsheet for Farke, but that is not to say he has not played his part this campaign.

The 25-year-old has proved a reliable presence when called upon and there is no reason why that cannot be the case next season.

However, the player himself may well want to keep his options open should there be any interest from elsewhere.

Gruev is a talented player with a defined role in midfield, with many other teams perhaps considering him a regular starter.

Only time will tell on that front, but the immediate priority for Gruev right now is getting himself fully fit over the coming weeks and months.