Ilia Gruev issues injury update with Leeds pre-season return expected | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev has offered a positive update on the knee injury that ended his season, and he is expected to report for pre-season next month.

The 26-year-old sustained a meniscus problem in training before the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth in April, then missed the final six games. He also watched on as safety was secured and sat out the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley.

It was his second significant knee issue at Leeds, following a three-month absence during the 2024/25 Championship title-winning campaign. He started 15 Premier League matches last term and made eight substitute appearances.

"I'm feeling better and making progress. I'm currently in Sofia, Bulgaria, combining rehabilitation with time with my family. It's unfortunate that I got injured again, but it's part of the sport."

He was speaking to Werder Bremen.

"It was a shame that I couldn't help the team in the last few games. But you have to keep going, keep pushing, keep working at it, and then it will get better. But of course, it's difficult for any athlete when they can't do what they love most."

Gruev was named Bulgaria's Player of the Year for 2025 after three successive runners-up finishes behind Kiril Despodov.

"I could imagine Argentina winning the World Cup again. However, France also has an incredibly strong squad."

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk