Daniel Farke shares instant update on Ilia Gruev injury, not good for Leeds United
Leeds United are set for another injury concern after Daniel Farke provided an initial update on Ilia Gruev.
LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross [1 October] shared on X what Farke told reporters after the 1-1 draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road on Tuesday (1 October), during which Gruev was forced off after just 20 minutes.
The Bulgarian midfielder is understood to have a knee issue that could keep him sidelined, though more time will be needed to fully assess it.
Cross’ post read: “Too early for a Gruev assessment. Knee issue. Farke fears it does not look good at this point.”
Leeds United suffer yet another injury blow
Leeds United have a squad full of superb talent for Championship level, even after losing many of their star performers.
However, the widespread fear at Elland Road was that with the compact size of the squad Farke is operating with, injuries could take a larger toll on the Whites than other league competitors.
That fear could well be realised in the near future with Dan James, Ethan Ampadu and Manor Solomon among the others currently out, and now Gruev potentially also being a long-term absentee in the worst-case scenario when it looked as if he was going to be crucial after Ampadu’s blow.
Joe Rothwell was brought on for Gruev and the AFC Bournemouth loanee could now be one of the most paramount players in Farke’s squad, having not yet even started a league game for the club.
It is a difficult situation for Farke to navigate, and could be an eye-opener for several of the young players who have been involved with the first-team matchday squad this season.
Leeds cannot afford for their season to unravel at any point this year, and the German knows that twofold after last season’s heartache.
Fingers crossed the next update on Gruev is a more positive one.
In other Leeds news, a Port Vale youngster has attracted the eye of the Whites alongside other league rivals.
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