Leeds ace Luke Ayling has delivered an injury update after returning to the grass in the next stage of his recovery from injury, telling fans he is getting closer to a return – prompting reaction from Kalvin Phillips and Oli McBurnie.
Ayling, 30, underwent knee surgery towards the end of last season after being shown a straight red card against Arsenal. Leeds chose to put him under the knife to correct a long-standing issue, with the player suspended.
He now returns t the grass, and is a step away from returning to training with the other players under Jesse Marsch. Of course, he has missed pre-season and it is likely to be a while until he pulls on a Leeds shirt once again.
Also, because of the signing of Denmark international Rasmus Kristensen from RedBull Salzburg. It is like that Ayling returns to the Leeds side as second choice. For now, he posted on Instagram to update Leeds fans on his progress.
Ayling gives Leeds update: Phillips and McBurnie reaction
It is great news for Leeds. Ayling is a massive part of the club’s identity, having spent more than six years at the club. Joining from Bristol City under Garry Monk in 2016, he has gone on to play 220 times for the Whites, League and Cup.
However, Ayling – who has entered the final year of his contract at Leeds – will find that his spot in the starting XI has been taken. Kristensen has made a solid start and is already earning fan favourite status at Elland Road.
The £10million addition is a no-nonsense defender, even wearing a headband in pre-season after an injury. His marauding runs from full-back have really impressed the Leeds crowd. Ayling will have to wait for his chance.
But to have the ex-Arsenal man back in and around the Leeds players is a huge boost. Plenty responded, including the likes of Leeds stars Stuart Dallas and Rodrigo – as did Phillips and McBurnie on his Instagram post.
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