Young Leeds United goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel has confirmed on Instagram that he has returned to training at Thorp Arch – posting a video alongside Illan Meslier and Joel Robles. It comes, after a car accident in the summer.
Van den Heuvel, 19, was representing the Netherlands U19 side during the summer when the accident occurred. The goalkeeper, according to Leeds Live, suffered a fractured vertebrae and a ‘severe neck injury’ from the incident.
Last season, the goalkeeper played seven times for the club’s Under-21 side – playing five times in Premier League 2. But largely, the four-time Netherlands U19 international was warming the bench as cover for Kristoffer Klaesson.
It is quite the turnaround, given the trauma of the injury. But as seen on his Instagram story, he is throwing himself about as if there was no injury at all – saving a number of shots in tandem with Meslier and Robles. A good sign.
Van den Heuvel has confirmed Leeds training return after car accident
It is incredible to see the Dutch talent back in full flight, only a matter of months since the car accident. Jesse Marsch spoke about his injury in his first press conference ahead of the new Premier League season.
The American highlighted just how traumatic the incident had been: “We were really worried about him. Not even as a football injury but as a life situation but he’s showing really good progress and he’s back in the gym.”
Does he have a chance of breaking back into the 21’s side under Michael Skubala? Well, Klaesson remains first choice, with Robles being promoted to second choice. Harry Christy is also an option between the sticks.
It is unclear when he will be given the chance to play for the 21’s again. When he will be declared match fit. The 21’s are in fact in action this evening, taking on Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup.
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