Leeds United manager Daniel Farke confirmed that injured midfielder Ilia Gruev was willing to participate in Friday’s 2-2 draw against Sunderland.
Leeds United are now ranked 5th in the Championship after a thrilling draw with Sunderland last week.
Illan Meslier’s 96th-minute blunder cost the Whites two points, meaning they would have gone into the break only one point behind leaders.
Despite their injury concerns, Daniel Farke’s side has gone four games unbeaten. Ilia Gruev sustained a knee injury during a midweek match against Norwich City, causing him to be out for months.
Despite his terrible injury, the Leeds United player wanted to play against Sunderland on Friday.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Whites manager Farke stated the following:
“Even on Wednesday, he (Gruev) was there and quite positive, saying, ‘Boss, I think I’ll be available on Friday.'”
“The doctors say no, no, you’re not available, and you won’t be able to return to the pitch this calendar year. It reveals a lot about his character; he is a warrior.”
Midfield partner also out
Gruev’s midfield partner, Ethan Ampadu, has also been sidelined until January. Over the past year, the two have formed a successful partnership for Leeds United.
However, Farke will now have to cope without both players for the foreseeable future.
Due to Ampadu’s absence, the Whites lack a cover option at centre-back. With Max Wober also injured, only Joe Rodon and vice-captain Pascal Struijk are obvious, senior choices at the centre of defence..
Who replaces them?
Losing Ampadu and Gruev is a significant loss for Leeds United, who rely heavily on their two holding midfielders. Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka, both summer acquisitions, have joined the team.
Rothwell arrived on loan from Bournemouth in the summer and has made nine appearances for the club this season. He played 20 games for Southampton in the second half of the season and contributed significantly to the club’s promotion.
Tanaka came in from Fortuna Dusseldorf and made a good first impression.
However, neither is a natural holding player. Both players enjoy covering ground and getting involved in the future whenever possible, therefore this job represents a shift in responsibilities for both.
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