Daniel Farke has shared an update on the fitness of Ilia Gruev ahead of Leeds United’s trip to Coventry City on Saturday.
Gruev missed both of Leeds’ matches over the Easter period having picked up an ankle injury on international duty with Bulgaria.
The 23-year-old seemingly came through his first game unscathed, but was then withdrawn at half-time in a friendly against Azerbaijan, which is what has kept him out since.
Farke had been cautiously optimistic of Gruev being fit to face Hull City on Monday, though that was all down to whether the swelling over his ankle had reduced.
Unfortunately due to the short two-day turnaround, though, Gruev was once again out of the squad completely, which saw Archie Gray and Glen Kamara paired in midfield together for the first time.
Despite Leeds‘ win over Hull City, it was clear to see that neither Gray or Kamara were overly comfortable playing that holding midfield role which Gruev has done so well since the turn of the New Year.
Farke shares new update on Gruev fitness ahead of Leeds vs Coventry
Farke admitted himself after Monday night’s game that Gruev is someone Leeds have sorely missed in the middle of the park over the last two matches.
It is now clear that his ability to tidy things up just in front of the back four was pivotal to Leeds not conceding a single goal from open play between New Year’s Day, and last week’s draw at Watford.
With just six matches remaining in the promotion run-in, Leeds will be desperate to welcome back some of their key players through injury, Gruev most certainly being top of that list.
And speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke has now shared whether Gruev will have recovered in time to face Coventry City on Saturday.
He said: “Gruev is the closest to returning. Limited by pain and swelling. Not trained with the team yet. Still to be assessed before Coventry. A little chance he is available for Saturday.”
Gruev return would be huge for Farke and Leeds
Gruev’s return on Saturday would be a monumental boost for Leeds as it is fair to say they have been stretched to their very limits at the back recently.
Sam Byram would never usually have to start two matches in four days given his patchy fitness record, but did over Easter and paid for it, telling Farke at half-time he could no longer sprint.
However, with £5m man Gruev having a small chance of being available, it would give Farke some options to change it.
Byram could keep his place at right-back after playing so well against Hull City, but there is a chance Gray could also move into the back four again.
Alternatively, Gray could keep his place in midfield but push onto be more advanced than Monday, with Kamara dropping out of the team. Either way, it is good Farke has options.