Ilia Gruev spotted ahead of Leeds United v Harrogate
Leeds United will be boosted by the return of Ilia Gruev for their FA Cup clash with Harrogate after he was spotted ahead of the game.
Gruev has been spotted at Elland Road, arriving for the FA Cup third round against the local rivals with Junior Firpo, Max Wober and Pascal Struijk also seen, Adam Pope confirmed.
The Bulgarian has been out of action since October with a serious injury sustained against Norwich City but the original six-month period seems to be cut short.
His return will provide a real boost to Leeds as they look to progress to the next round of the FA Cup with the midfielder likely to play a crucial role in the second half of the Championship season.
Ilia Gruev set to return for Leeds United
Daniel Farke will be hoping to maintain a fit and healthy squad for the remainder of the campaign and the seemingly imminent return of Gruev will be a boost towards that.
The Whites currently occupy the summit of the Championship despite being hampered by several injuries and suspensions throughout the season and his return will provide some much-needed depth and cover in the midfield areas.
Ethan Ampadu had been another notably long-term absentee before his return at the end of 2024 while the return of Firpo will also be a massive boost.
If Leeds can keep Gruev fit for the foreseeable, his role in the team can aid them in tightly contested encounters which could in turn prove crucial to their promotion hopes.
With the form of Ao Tanaka and the availability of other midfield options, Gruev can be eased back into action to prevent a recurrence of the injury concerns.
In other Leeds United news, an Elland Road target is keen on returning to England and will be available on a free transfer in January.
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