Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev is doubtful for the upcoming Championship match against Coventry City. Despite Leeds United manager Daniel Farke expressing optimism about Gruev’s potential return from an injury sustained during the March international break with Bulgaria, it appears unlikely that Gruev will be fit enough to start the game. Joe Donnohue of the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Gruev’s absence since the international break has been felt by the team, with Archie Gray stepping in to fill the midfield void left by the 23-year-old Bulgarian.
Gruev has emerged as a crucial component of Leeds United’s midfield, known for his dynamic play and ability to energize the team’s midfield operations alongside Glen Kamara. His absence in the last two matches has been noticeable, and while Gray has performed adequately, he does not offer the same impact as Gruev.
As Leeds United prepares for the match against Coventry City on April 6, the possibility of Gruev making the matchday squad remains, but starting him in the game seems highly unlikely. Farke faces a selection dilemma but is cautious about rushing Gruev back into action. Leeds United aims to secure a victory against Coventry to bolster their chances of automatic promotion as the season nears its conclusion.
Citations:
[1] https://theathletic.com/5205274/2024/01/19/ilia-gruev-leeds-midfield/
[2] https://www.footballfancast.com/leeds-united-news-scouts-wowed-midfielder-samu-soon-to-be-free-agent/
[3] https://www.leedsallover.com/a-little-chance-of-leeds-united-man-returning-v-coventry-one-fresh-injury-rules-24-y-o-out-confirmed/
[4] https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/daniel-farke-issues-ilia-gruev-update-for-coventry-city-clash-but-new-leeds-united-injury-reveal-4578724
[5] https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leeds-united-ipswich-town-face-9208940
[6] https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/coventry-city-v-leeds-united-injury-news-with-8-out-and-key-man-doubtful-4580250
[7] https://sports-view.co.uk/2024/04/leeds-united-eye-move-for-vizela-midfielder-samu
[8] https://www.footballfancast.com/leeds-ilia-gruev-should-be-unleashed-over-archie-gray/
[9] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-bust-ups-could-28940798
[10] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-ilia-gruev-farke-27810024
[11] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/ilia-gruevs-return-leeds-united-28933936
[12] https://motleedsnews.com/news/leeds-united-brand-new-ilia-gruev-injury-update-emerges-ahead-of-coventry-city-clash/
[13] https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-ilia-gruev-offers-honest-daniel-farke-transfer-insight/
[14] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-provide-ilia-gruev-28935623
[15] https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/coventry-city-v-leeds-united-injury-news-with-8-out-and-key-man-doubtful-4580250?page=2
[16] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-squad-revealed-coventry-28941645
[17] https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-new-ilia-gruev-availability-update-emerges-pre-coventry-city/
[18] https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-team-news-whites-hoping-ilia-gruev-will-be-fit-to-face-coventry-city-4579655