Leeds United handed major Adam Forshaw fitness boost
Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw is on the cusp of making an incredible comeback after an encouraging 60-minute outing against York City.
After being out for 18 months with a harrowing hip injury, Forshaw took his first steps towards returning to the first team when he played for the Under-23s in a friendly on Saturday.
And now, Phil Hay has reported that he’s in line to make his first competitive outing on Friday, for the U23s in their next Premier League 2 game against Aston Villa.
He claims that Forshaw came through his hour of play unscathed on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of next season, played 32 games in Marcelo Bielsa’s first year at the club.
There were doubts about Forshaw’s future at the club after his injury, but it looks like he’s ready to fight for his spot in the team, and Bielsa is expected to give him a second chance.
He’s spoken highly about the player’s professionalism and his eagerness to work on his fitness and return to the first-team scene.
Phillips backup sorted?
Bielsa will be absolutely buzzing about this – as will all Leeds fans.
It’s been a very tough 18 months for Forshaw but it looks like he’ll have a chance of making his Premier League bow this season after all.
His return could be huge for Leeds this summer, too.
Leeds’ performances this season have dipped whenever Bielsa’s not had Kalvin Phillips’ services to call upon.
The England international has been omnipresent since the Argentine took over and seems to get better with every passing game.
In his absence, the team ceases to be a well-oiled machine as there’s nobody among the ranks who can play Phillips’ role.
However, with Forshaw, Bielsa now has the option of using him as solid cover.
Forshaw was on top form before his injury and can act as one of the midfielders Leeds were looking to sign.
Signing a backup to Phillips is one of the three important additions needed in the summer, but should Forshaw return to full fitness and play at the level he did a couple of seasons ago, funds could be allocated to reinforcements in other positions.
Forshaw has already passed the Bielsa litmus test so fans have little reason to worry if the Argentine decides against signing a Phillips backup.
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