It was a big moment for Ilia Gruev last night. The Bulgarian had not been given a real run out in a Leeds United shirt since joining the club – but he might not play until the next international break in November.
The 23-year-old had managed just three sub outings for Leeds. All of which, came in injury time – Gruev used more to run the clock down. On Wednesday though, he was given a surprise start in the middle.
Glen Kamara was rested, with Archie Gray continuing at right-back. Ethan Ampadu remains one of the first names on the team sheet. Gruev looked like a rabbit in the headlights. He could not get involved.
The pace seemed too much for the £4m man, with the wet surface causing plenty of mistakes. It was a bit of a surprise he remained on the pitch until the 85th minute. Surely, he will be replaced on Saturday.
Kamara has been superb alongside Ampadu, so much so that Gray has moved to the right side of the defence. The Finnish ace is more than likely to come back in on Saturday when Leeds host Huddersfield.
Leeds man Ilia Gruev might not play again until November break
Gruev drops out and with the next three games a week apart until the November international break, it is more than likely Gruev will not be seen until he jets off with Bulgaria. They take on Hungary and Serbia.
Kamara comes back in on Saturday and there will be no need to rest him, over the next three weeks. So, Gruev will return to his place on the bench and judging by his lack of minutes, he will hardly be used.
There is a chance that given his dismal showing against Stoke, it is his last outing for club and country until Bulgaria host Hungary in Euro qualifying. Despite his lack of game time, he is still a Bulgaria regular.
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