Ilia Gruev
LEE
CM
Box-to-Box
May 6, 2000 (26)
Left
6'1"
159 lb
Leeds UnitedRanking
Grades
Key Grades
2025/2026 Premier League
Overall Grades by game
2025/2026 Premier League
Upcoming matches
News
Edging closer after long term injury
Gruev (knee) is edging closer to a return after his long term injury, now in his second week of training with the team, according to coach Daniel Farke, per Lee Sobot of the Yorkshire Evening Post. "Ilia after a long term injury, it's his second week of training with the team so edging closer. He missed more or less four months so we have to make a decision. Physically he is edging closer, he looks good in training. Normally you'd give a player more minutes in the Under-21s but he's experienced and if I need him, I'd have no problems. We don't have to rush it because everyone is available."
Analysis: Gruev has been sidelined since undergoing treatment for a meniscus injury in April, and his continued progress through full training is an encouraging sign. Manager Farke noted that while it would normally be expected for a player to get minutes with the U21s first, Gruev's experience means he could be considered for first team involvement sooner if needed, with his status continuing to be assessed as Leeds' enters the first stretch of the season.
Could return Sunday
Gruev (knee) has returned to full team training but will not be available for Tuesday's EFL Cup clash against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Ilia was part-integrated last week and is fully back in team training now. No reaction with his knee, looks good on the training pitch. This game is a bit too soon for him."
Analysis: Gruev has progressed to full team training without experiencing any reaction in his knee after initially being partially reintegrated last week. Tuesday's cup match comes too soon for the midfielder, who has been sidelined since undergoing treatment for a meniscus injury in April. Gruev could instead be available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brentford if he continues to train without setbacks.
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