Leeds United loanee Ian Poveda has suffered suspected ankle ligament damage on loan at Blackburn Rovers, according to journalist Rich Sharpe.

The Lowdown: Poveda sent out on loan

Marcelo Bielsa deemed the 21-year-old surplus to requirements during the summer, with a lack of first team football not expected to come his way at Elland Road.

For that reason, Poveda was sent out on loan to Championship outfit Blackburn in order to play regularly and continue to mature as a footballer.

It hasn't panned out that way to date, however, with the attacking midfielder only starting four league games thus far at Ewood Park.

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The Latest: Poveda suffers ankle injury

Poveda started Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Bristol City but unfortunately he didn't even make it to half-time, leaving the pitch through injury.

Taking to Twitter after the game, Sharpe confirmed the Leeds man's injury, giving a worrying six-word verdict that it is "suspected to be ankle ligament damage".

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The Verdict: Big blow for Poveda

This is a big setback for Poveda, who will have been desperate to prove to Bielsa that he can be a key squad member for the Whites in the future.

Not only that, but if Leeds had been planning to sell him, it was an ideal opportunity for him to be in the shop window and outline his class, having being hailed as 'incredible' by Pep Guardiola, under whom he worked at Manchester City.

As it is, Poveda will now likely face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, potentially further damaging his hopes of altering Bielsa's thought process, having not started a single Premier League game in 2020/21.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for a striker. Find out who it is here.