Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Fri 24 April 2026 16:10, UK

Ilia Gruev will miss the rest of the season for Leeds United.

Injuries have not been too hard on Leeds as of late, though Gruev’s latest blow is more on the severe side.

The Bulgarian midfielder looks set to miss the rest of the season, and while he has found himself away from the starting 11, his absence will still be somewhat of an issue for Daniel Farke.

The German has turned to Gruev on several occasions this season, but he will have to look towards other options for the remaining games.

Ao Tanaka will benefit the most, but a handful of Thorp Arch prospects could also be in line to show what they have to offer.

Ollie Pickles likely to be first in line at Elland Road

Ollie Pickles is a name that not many will be familiar with, but it may not be long until they are.

The teen has been a regular for Leeds’ Under-21 side this season, and has actually played more minutes than any other player in the Premier League 2, while also impressing.

He’s similar to Gruev in the sense that he is more defence-oriented, though with 16 chances created, he can also offer plenty going forward.

Pickles may well have already been in line to make an appearance for the Whites before the end of the season, and that may have been accelerated with Gruev out for the campaign.

Charlie Crew could benefit at Leeds

Charlie Crew had a tough time of it on loan at Doncaster, but he has again found his form since returning to Thorp Arch.

Aloingside Pickles, he has formed a respectable partnership for Leeds’ Under-21s, which will not have been unnoticed.

Crew has already made a senior appearance for Leeds under Farke in the Championship last season, and could be in line for a Premier League debut before the end of May.