Stuart Dallas sends message after Ilia Gruev injury update at Leeds United
Stuart Dallas is delighted to see Ilia Gruev back training for Leeds United.
The former Whites star commented on the Bulgarian’s social media post as he returned to the Thorp Arch pitches following a long-term absence this season.
Daniel Farke relied heavily on Gruev before he picked up an injury early in October, with Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka stepping up since.
Gruev posted a picture on Instagram (9 January) announcing his return to first-team training, and Dallas wrote: “Love to see it.”
Ilia Gruev injury boost for Leeds United
Farke will surely be delighted to see the 24-year-old back among the team as the Peacocks look to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League.
The West Yorkshire outfit are at the top of the Championship table, one point ahead of Burnley and Sheffield United.
Despite several fitness issues at the start of the season, the German manager has managed to keep the Whites around the top.
Leeds have also welcomed Ethan Ampadu back in recent weeks, with the Welsh midfielder already proving pivotal for them in the last few fixtures.
Rothwell and Tanaka have been relied upon to provide solidity in the engine room for most of the campaign, but it remains to be seen whether they will keep their places in the starting lineup.
Ampadu and Gruev were Farke’s first-choice pairing in the middle of the park before their respective injuries, and their return will certainly boost the Peacocks’ promotion hopes.
While the Bulgarian is back in training, it’s unlikely that the German manager will throw him into the thick of things soon.
The Whites face Harrogate Town in the FA Cup third round on Saturday (11 January), which will likely allow some of those on the periphery of the squad to shine.
In other Leeds news, Farke has shared early team news ahead of the upcoming fixture.
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