Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde looks set to be out of action until the end of the month, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.
The Lowdown: Appendectomy
Hjelde, labelled as a ‘superb player’ by Paddy Kenny following his move from Celtic last summer, had been a regular in Jesse Marsch’s Premier League first-team up until the club’s break last month.
He has been a substitute five times in the top flight in 2022/23 and played the entirety of the club’s 3-1 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup.
However, Marsch revealed earlier this month that the 19-year-old had an appendectomy, and it looks like the full-back will remain out of action for the rest of the month.
The Latest: Dinnery’s update
Dinnery, an injury analyst/expert contributor for Sky Sports, shared Leeds updates on his Premier Injuries website, which were relayed by MOT Leeds News on Thursday.
When it came to Hjelde, he posted a return date of October 29, which would result in the defender missing games against Arsenal, Leicester and Fulham.
The Verdict: Not ideal
Hjelde has transformed into a valuable left-back option in Yorkshire, providing competition to Pascal Struijk with Junior Firpo being out for the majority of the current campaign.
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Therefore, with Firpo missing the defeat to Crystal Palace last time out, it isn’t ideal knowing Hjelde is also set for a longer spell on the sidelines.
Right-back Luke Ayling and centre-back Diego Llorente were the only options from the bench at Selhurst Park, so Marsch will be hoping Struijk stays fit due to the conditions of Hjelde and Firpo.
