Leeds United's injury nightmare continues as key man is forced off against Norwich City

-Credit: (Image: PA)
-Credit: (Image: PA)


It never rains but it pours. For the second match running in the Championship, Leeds United have been forced into an early midfield change.

Ilia Gruev was forced off in the 19th minute of the Whites' clash at Norwich City this evening. The Bulgarian midfielder received treatment for the injury prior to Josh Sargent's penalty. He tried to carry on but was unable to continue, with Joe Rothwell replacing him in the middle of the park.

Gruev's injury setback comes four days after club captain Ethan Ampadu suffered a serious knee ligament damage in United's home win over Coventry City. The Wales international will be out until at least January.

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"It's a serious knee injury, he has damaged his lateral ligament - the doctors have recommended a conservative treatment so he doesn't need surgery," United boss Daniel Farke said. "It's difficult to predict how long he will be out but it's realistic to speak about 10 weeks until he can return to team training.

"It could be a few days more or less depending on the rehab. At the moment we expect him to be back in training at some point in December but he will need a bit of team training before he's available. We expect him to be back [playing] at some point in January."

Sargent duly converted from 12 yards to put the Canaries 1-0 up at Carrow Road after being fouled in the box by Joe Rodon. In Ampadu's absence, Rodon's defensive partner Pascal Struijk wore the captain's armband.