Phil Hay delivers fitness update on Gaetano Berardi after player stretchered off v Derby
Phil Hay has delivered a fitness update on Gaetano Berardi after the Leeds United centre-back was stretchered off in the 3-1 win against Derby at Pride Park.
Berardi was one of just four players who kept their places in the side after the 1-0 win against Barnsley.
He only lasted around half an hour before he was replaced by Luke Ayling.
Berardi was spotted on crutches celebrating after the win and the hope was that the injury wasn’t too serious.
Athletic journalist Phil Hay has confirmed that it’s a knee injury and that Berardi will have scans in the morning.
You have to really feel for Berardi, who is out of contract at the end of the season. He signed a short-term extension to stay and help Leeds over the line.
Leeds want him to stay and it was thought that he would stay on for another year in the Premier League.
For that reason, we really hope the injury isn’t too serious. That would represent a really sizeable blow to the combative centre-back and a terrible way for his Leeds’ career to end.
As it is, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll make the Charlton game on Wednesday – Leeds’ last game of the season.
That will probably mean Pascal Struijk retaining his place in the defensive midfield slot and Ben White and Liam Cooper playing in the centre of defence.
Leeds will be presented with the Championship trophy at Elland Road after a very, very long and ultimately successful season.
Berardi will be there but he’s unlikely to be on the pitch.
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