Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has relayed an injury update regarding defender Leo Hjelde ahead of the clash with Aston Villa.
The Lowdown: Hjelde’s absence
Hjelde, labelled as a ‘superb player’ by Paddy Kenny, has made three senior appearances for the Whites this season.
He featured for 67 minutes in Leeds’ last win away at West Ham back in January but hasn’t been seen since hobbling off against Everton last month.
The 18-year-old sustained a knee injury at Goodison Park, and Jesse Marsch has revealed the Norwegian required surgery last week.
The Latest: Hay’s post
Hay took to Twitter on Wednesday to relay news from Marsch’s pre-Villa press conference.
He confirmed that Hjelde has had surgery but may be able to feature before the 2021/22 season comes to an end.
“Leo Hjelde has undergone surgery on the knee injury he suffered against Everton. Marsch hopefully that he might be available before the end of the season.”
The Verdict: From bad to worse
Leeds’ injury issues just haven’t stopped during the current campaign, and this update on Hjelde isn’t exactly ideal.
The Whites were seemingly hopeful that the defender would make a full recovery without needing surgery, but that obviously hasn’t proven to be the case, resulting in the club's problems going from bad to worse.
It’s good news that he still may have a role to play this season, but Marsch won’t be able to call upon the exciting teenager in the foreseeable future, yet another hit to the depth at his disposal.
In other news: Phil Hay drops huge Leeds news from Thorp Arch before Villa.