Months, not weeks, is Leeds United’s fear when it comes to Ilia Gruev’s recovery from what the club has described as a serious meniscus injury. The Bulgaria international will undergo surgery in the coming days and seems distinctly unlikely to return to action in 2024.
The 24-year-old limped out of Tuesday’s draw with Norwich City after initially trying to play on following on-pitch treatment. Daniel Farke was unable to provide an update in Wednesday’s pre-Sunderland press conference, but a club statement has confirmed the worst this evening.
A statement said: “Leeds United midfielder and Bulgaria international Ilia Gruev sustained an injury to his right knee during the club’s Championship draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road on Tuesday, which saw him withdrawn in the 20th minute. Further assessment revealed Ilia has sustained a significant injury to his meniscus and will undergo surgery in the coming days which will require an extended period of rehabilitation.
“Everyone at Leeds United sends their best wishes to Ilia and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
The injury is a cruel blow to Gruev and the team, which had already been left reeling by a lateral knee ligament injury to Ethan Ampadu only three days earlier. This announcement virtually guarantees Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will be United’s starting midfielders for the foreseeable future.
The Whites travelled to Sunderland today ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with the league leaders. There is then a two-week international break before Sheffield United visit Elland Road, when Farke will hope to have some of his other injured players back in contention.
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