Marcelo Bielsa has revealed to Leeds Live that Leeds United full-back Gaetano Berardi will begin training again shortly.
Berardi cruelly picked up a knee injury towards the end of last season, which has meant that he hasn’t been able to play a part at all this term.
Adam Forshaw, meanwhile, has not featured for Leeds since 2019, as he struggles to make it back from a hip problem.
But Bielsa has suggested that the pair could be available again soon.
And when they do start training, he doesn’t expect them to be away from starting contention for too long.
“Berardi will start to train with the group shortly,” he said.
“While he had a serious knee injury which kept him out for a long time, many have had this in the past and come back to play.
“The problem with Forshaw is a little longer. He hasn’t played for over a year now and the medical decisions taken recent make us think he will play again in the not-to-distant future.
“Forshaw is a professional who looks after his health very much. That’s why I think as soon as these injury problems are resolved I think he will be able to compete very quickly.”
Forshaw’s absence has been so prolonged that there must be some concerns over his ability to come back and play at the top level.
Before injury struck Forshaw was one of Leeds’ key players, but winning his place back now will be a huge challenge.
Berardi, meanwhile, could offer Leeds more cover in defensive positions – and he may yet have a role to play between now and the end of the season.
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