Daniel Farke hasn’t ruled Ilia Gruev out of Leeds United’s game against Coventry City just yet.
Ilia Gruev injury latest
The Bulgarian international joined the club from Werder Bremen in the summer, and he endured a difficult start as he got to grips with English football.
However, Gruev had established himself as a key player a few months ago, with his composure and quality in midfield playing a big role in their magnificent 2024 that has seen Leeds close the gap in the battle to win automatic promotion.
But, the 23-year-old has missed Leeds’ last two games through injury, and he has been missed, with the Whites drawing 2-2 at Vicarage Road, and whilst they did beat Hull City last time out, they lacked the control in the middle of the park that they had shown with Gruev in the side.
So, it would be a big boost if he could return for what looks to be a tough trip to Coventry on Saturday.
And, speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, boss Daniel Farke wouldn’t rule the midfielder out just yet, even if he is in a race against time to make the team.
“Ilia Gruev the closest, he’s limited by some pain and swelling, yet to train with the team yet but perhaps there’s a little chance he’s available for the game.
“First of all if Ilia is not available, we are missing a really good midfield option. Ilia is important for our rhythm, sometimes to calm the game down, sometimes to speed it up, really tidy on the ball, shows himself, wants to have the ball under pressure and helps to build against a really good pressing side. The guy who initiates our attacks. Finds a good balance forcing it through the centre or over the wings.”
Archie Gray will continue in midfield if Ilia Gruev misses out
Pleasingly for Leeds, they aren’t exactly short of quality when it comes to replacing Gruev.
Farke did talk up the ability of youngster Charlie Crew, but the reality is that Archie Gray is sure to start against the Sky Blues in the midfield role if Gruev misses out.
The youngster has been outstanding this season, predominantly at right-back, but he has spent much of his academy days in central midfield, so he knows what’s expected in such a role.
Alternatively, Ethan Ampadu could move up into midfield, as he did at Watford. However, his brilliant partnership with Joe Rodon in defence is key to this excellent run, so Farke is highly unlikely to disrupt that, but it shows that he does have options.
Leeds United’s promotion push
Welcoming Gruev back, even if it’s not this weekend, is going to be a real positive, and Farke also confirmed that Wilfried Gnonto isn’t too far away.
The team is flying right now, and they deserve so much credit for the run they’re on. Yet, the Hull game was tough, and if the likes of Gruev and Gnonto were on the bench could have given Leeds more control in that clash.
Now, though, it’s all on the final six games, and Leeds will feel they have both the ability and the momentum to take one of the top two spots.
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