Ilia Gruev picked up an injury during Leeds United’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Tuesday night, adding another issue to an already-growing list of problems in Daniel Farke’s squad.
The Bulgaria midfielder went down after Norwich had been awarded a penalty at Carrow Road last night. While he continued, he didn’t last much longer and was eventually replaced by on-loan Joe Rothwell.
Leeds are already without skipper Ethan Ampadu, the Wales star ruled out until the new year with a knee injury of his own. The treatment room at Thorp Arch is a busy room at the moment, with seven injured.
Max Wober has undergone surgery, Isaac Schmidt is out with a glute issue. Manor Solomon has a back problem and Dan James is recovering from his hamstring injury. Diogo Monteiro had an operation, too.
Gruev makes that seven and Farke was asked in his press conference on Wednesday if Gruev would be fit to play against Sunderland on Friday. The Leeds boss said that nothing can be confirmed as of yet.
Daniel Farke delivers new injury update on Leeds star Ilia Gruev
With Ampadu out, Leeds are left with just one defensive-minded midfielder in the form of Gruev. When replaced on Tuesday, Farke’s side had to cope with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, both attacking-minded.
Tanaka sat deeper as Rothwell went forward with Leeds in search of an equaliser, which they eventually got through Largie Ramazani. Farke said he will know more about Gruev’s injury on Wednesday night.
“No. We are still waiting for further assessment, he will have a scan later today. I could tell you more this evening. But as it stands, it looks a bit better today, doesn’t look that bad but we will wait for the scan.”
Joe Rothwell admits Leeds have lost defensive nous in midfield
It is a concern. While Rothwell and Tanaka are incredibly solid replacements for Ampadu and Gruev at this level, there is a worry that neither can provide the defensive screen that Ampadu or Gruev can provide.
Speaking after the game, Rothwell gave his verdict on Tanaka and said that Leeds have lost “defensive nous” with Gruev and Ampadu injured. But, the duo are quality players and will be trusted to adapt.
Leeds do have other options in the form of Wales star Charlie Crew though he is yet to make his senior Leeds debut. Pascal Struijk could play in midfield, but there is a lack of senior cover at centre-back.
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