Leeds United injury update on Ilia Gruev as midfielder details progress | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev is making progress in his recovery from the knee injury that curtailed his 2025/26 season.

The Bulgaria international suffered a meniscus problem in training before the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth in April, missed the final six games and the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley.

It was his second serious knee setback at Leeds, after three months out during the 2024/25 Championship title-winning campaign. He is expected to report back for pre-season next month.

“I'm feeling better and making progress,” Gruev said. “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 former club 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.”

Before the injury he had adapted to the Premier League, starting 15 matches and making eight further appearances from the bench while competing with captain Ethan Ampadu.

“I'm very pleased that my achievements are being recognized in my home country,” he said. “It's something special to be named Footballer of the Year - number 1 - in your own country. I'm happy about that because it shows that people appreciate what I do and recognise the achievements I've made.”

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk