With Daniel Farke expecting a ‘quiet’ January at Elland Road, at least the long-awaited return of Ilia Gruev will feel to some extent like a proverbial new signing for Leeds United.
Farke confirmed that Leeds’ Bulgaria international will make his comeback sooner rather than later.
Gruev has not been seen since undergoing knee surgery in October. And, while Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie with Harrogate Town will come too soon for the former Werder Bremen man, he should have a massive part to play between now and the end of another gruelling Championship campaign.
Over in Spain, meanwhile, a midfielder who used to start Premier League games at Leeds United before Gruev swapped Germany for England is set to make a return of his own.
Marc Roca, like Gruev, has not featured since October. He picked up a serious ankle problem following Real Betis’ 1-0 derby defeat by Andalusian neighbours Sevilla three months ago, limited to only nine La Liga appearances during what is proving to be a difficult debut campaign at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
But, as Betis prepare to make their league return following the winter break away at Rayo Valladolid this weekend, Manuel Pellegrini will soon be welcoming the summer signing back into the fold.
Marc Roca recovers from injury with former Leeds United ace back at Real Betis
Marc Roca left Leeds for around £4 million and the former Spain Under-21 international will be hoping that his career with Los Verdiblancos is about to finally take off.
“Roca is closer to returning,” former Manchester City, Real Madrid and West Ham coach Pellegrini said earlier in the week.
Leeds sold Diego Llorente to Real Betis as well in the off-season.
It’s fair to say the one-time Roma loanee has made a much greater impression back in Spain, however, Llorente playing the full 90 minutes in all but two of Betis’ La Liga matches while Roca has spent much of the season watching on from the sidelines.
Roca was delighted to seal La Liga return with Betis
Speaking back in July, after Betis agreed a fee with the Yorkshire giants, Roca spoke about the excitement he felt joining one of the best-supported clubs in Spanish football. Half a year later, the Espanyol academy graduate will be praying that he now gets the chance to show the always vociferous Verdiblancos supporters what he can bring to the table.
“I am very happy to be able to share with you the immense joy I feel to [be] associated with this great club,” Roca said. “I have had the opportunity to get to know first hand the values that Real Betis Balompie represents and I am honoured to say that they are aligned with mine.
“Perseverance, positive energy and pride of belonging are some of the most outstanding principles of this big family. I am convinced that the effort, passion and ambition coupled with the communication between the team and the fans, will lead us to achieve the highest objectives.
“I sincerely appreciate the support I received from the wonderful Verdiblanca family. Let’s go for it all.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
