Stuart Dallas and Archie Gray delighted as Leeds United star Ilia Gruev issues injury message

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Leeds United have had more than their fair share of injuries in recent weeks but one long-term absentee returned to training this week ahead of Saturday’s clash against Harrogate.

Daniel Farke delivered updates on six Leeds players in Thursday’s press conference. He confirmed that Patrick Bamford and Max Wober have new injuries, while Joel Piroe will miss Saturday’s FA Cup outing.

The Dutchman is suffering from muscle fatigue. However, there was some good news that that comes in Junior Firpo, Ilia Gruev and Pascal Struijk returning to training. Only Struijk is set to play on Saturday.

Gruev and Firpo have been out for a while and Farke may want them to regain a bit more sharpness in training before they are considered to start. For Gruev, he is back in training after three months out.

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Ilia Gruev posts on Instagram after Daniel Farke confirms return

Gruev has been missing since he limped off injured in the first 20 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Norwich. The knee issue came in the game after Ethan Ampadu had suffered his serious knee injury against Coventry.

Ampadu escaped the need for surgery but Gruev required an operation. The duo’s injuries have seen Josuha Guilavogui sign for Leeds, but now Gruev and Ampadu are back and Gruev posted on Instagram.

He said: I’ve missed this feeling so much. So great to be finally back with the team on the training ground again after my injury. Let’s go!”

Stuart Dallas and Archie Gray react as Gruev returns to training

It is a big boost for Leeds but there are question marks over whether Gruev will get back into the Leeds side. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have been superb in midfield in the absence of Gruev and Ampadu.

Indeed, Stuart Dallas said Rothwell and Tanaka have given Farke a “headache”, for when Ampadu and Gruev return and that time is now. But, Leeds players both past and present are delighted he is back.

Tottenham’s Archie Gray who starred on Wednesday night against Liverpool responded, as did Dallas. Leeds stars Ampadu and Mateo Joseph also responded, the latter describing Gruev as a “maestro”.