Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a significant injury to his right knee.
The 24-year-old sustained the injury during his side’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Tuesday.
Further assessment has shown that the Bulgaria international has significantly damaged the meniscus in his right knee and will undergo surgery on the issue in the coming days.
Leeds confirmed that the procedure will require an “extended period of rehabilitation.”
Gruev’s injury leaves Leeds somewhat light in the central midfield after club captain Ethan Ampadu was ruled out for ten weeks with a left knee ligament injury.
Manager Daniel Farke confirmed on Monday that the midfielder had sustained a “serious” injury to his lateral knee ligament but would not require surgery.
Gruev is a key member of Leeds’ first-team squad, starting all eight of the side’s Championship fixtures this season prior to his injury.
After sustaining the injury at Carrow Road on Tuesday, he was replaced by 29-year-old midfielder Joe Rothwell, who joined the club on loan from Bournemouth during the summer transfer window.
Leeds, who are fifth in the Championship, are next in action against league leaders Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday.
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