Ilia Gruev
LEE
CM
Box-to-Box
May 6, 2000 (26)
Left
6'1"
159 lb
Leeds UnitedEdging 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.
Remains out
Gruev (knee) isn't with the squad and remains unavailable for Saturday's match against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Gruev's 2025-26 season ended prematurely in April due to a meniscus injury, and he spent much of the summer continuing his rehabilitation. He did not feature during preseason and remains away from the squad, with Tuesday's cup match against Nottingham Forest his next opportunity to return.
Back in contention after knee layoff
Gruev (knee) is available for Saturday's season opener against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Daniel Farke. "All the others are available."
Analysis: Gruev's return caps a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury that kept him out of Leeds' preseason trip to the United States. When healthy last season, he was a regular contributor in midfield, chipping in three assists across 23 appearances, 15 of them starts, and his passing range and work rate off the ball give manager Daniel Farke a proven option to call on again in the middle of the park now that he's back to full fitness.
Continues comeback from injury
Gruev (knee) remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a meniscus knee injury, missing Leeds' preseason friendly against Wrexham, according to Leeds Live.
Analysis: Gruev's absence adds to a lengthy list of notable outs for Leeds during their trip to the United States, and his energy and range of passing in midfield make his eventual return a boost once he's back to full fitness. No updated timeline has been disclosed at this stage, and he's expected to continue his rehabilitation as preseason progresses.
Back for start of preseason
Gruev (knee) was present for the first day of preseason training, the club posted.
Analysis: Gruev's season ended early in April due to a meniscus knee injury, and he spent much of the summer continuing his rehabilitation in his native Bulgaria. His presence on day one suggests the recovery has progressed on schedule despite the setback. The midfielder, who was named 2025 Bulgarian Player of the Year, has a year remaining on his contract, meaning he can discuss pre-contract terms with overseas clubs beginning in January if no extension is reached before then. Gruev is expected to continue building toward full training as Leeds' preseason progresses.
Done for season
Gruev is done for the season due to a meniscus injury, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Yes, sadly, bad news. So, a meniscus injury is confirmed. It will keep him definitely out for the whole season. He won't be able to help us for the run-in, not in the FA Cup, and also not in the league. We expect to have him back more or less for pre-season then, but he won't feature during this season anymore. It is, of course, not ideal for us, and we all feel for him."
Analysis: Gruev is not going to play again this season after it was announced he suffered a bad injury, as the midfielder now deals with a meniscus injury. Unfortunately, there is no chance of a return this season, as he will instead set his sights on being fit for the preseason. This will leave the club without depth in the midfield, a rough loss as they deal with the injury of Anton Stach (ankle), possibly opening up more time for Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka. Gruev ends the season starting in 15 of his 23 appearances, recording no goals on seven shots and three assists on 11 chances created.
Supplies two assists in win
Gruev assisted twice to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Friday's 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Gruev played a pinpoint ball over the top to setup Leeds United's opening goal Friday before supplying the cross that led to their third in a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest. In addition to his goal contributions, the midfielder added one interception, two clearances and one block to the defensive effort. Gruev has been named to the starting XI in seven successive league fixtures. Friday's 90-minute shift was his first full 90 minutes since late Nov.
Dishes assist
Gruev assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Newcastle United.
Analysis: Gruev earned his first goal contribution of the season, as he set up Brenden Aaronson, who buried a shot from the right side of the box in the 79th minute. This also marked the third straight game where Gruev racked up at least 30 completed passes. On the defensive side, he was solid with two tackles won and three interceptions.
Five crosses from midfield
Gruev had five crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 loss versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Gruev would find his way into the starting XI Saturday after not appearing in their past three games, recording 90 minutes of play. He would see some decent work with his five crosses and two chances created, although there was no goal contribution to follow. It was only his third start of the season in six appearances, still without a goal contribution.
Starts again
Gruev started during Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
Analysis: Gruev got the start three days after he started and went the full 90 in a 5-0 Premier League loss to Arsenal. The midfielder has seemingly earned the trust of boss Daniel Farke and is set to be a big part of the team in Leeds. His minutes could be even more important with Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka both struggling with injuries. Even when starting Gruev has limited upside for the newly promoted side.
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