Former Leeds United midfielder might return following an injury crisis

There is no denying it, Leeds United are in an injury crisis. After having five players pushed to the sidelines, The Whites will have to look for reinforcements.

These reinforcements can come in the form of youth players or a transfer. Even though the transfer market is closed, free agents remain available year-round.

Daniel Farke has claimed that he isn’t a fan of signing free agents this far into the season. The reasons he suggested were mainly regarding fitness issues.

The concern is quite logical but Farke might have no other choice as Ilia Gruev is set to return only after a few months. The Bulgarian international suffered a meniscus tear and will undergo surgery for the same.

Before Gruev, Ethan Ampadu was sidelined for a knee injury. Ampadu picked up the injury in a 3-0 home win against Coventry City. Ethan is not scheduled to return until 2025.

After Ampadu’s hospital admission, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka were set to make up the midfield duo for The 49ers. Although, fate had other plans as Gruev suffered a long-term injury just a few days later.

Ao Tanaka is set to represent Japan at the October international break. Fans will only hope that the Japanese midfielder returns unscathed to Elland Road.

Ex-Leeds United midfielder Jack Livermore linked with a return to Elland Road

The Yorkshire Post’s Tom Coates has made a comprehensive list of free-agent options for Leeds United. Among the candidates, Jack Livermore stands out as the midfielder who has had a history with the club.

Livermore has been without a club since leaving Watford at the end of last season. Jack was at Elland Road for two seasons but didn’t have much of an impact as he was a loanee from Tottenham Hotspur at the time.

However, the Englishman comes with his own set of perks. Having spent his whole life in England, the 34-year-old has garnered immense experience playing in the English Premier League and the English Football League.

Daniel Farke said that he’ll wait out to see what happens with Gruev and now that the results are clear, the German manager will have to decide fast.

First of all, we wait a bit for the outcome with Ilia’s injury and how long he will be out. If it would be really a long-term injury I think it’s one of our professional duties to be aware and also to check who is perhaps available and what we could do.

-Daniel Farke