Gruev, Solomon, James - Leeds United injury news and return dates ahead of Sunderland clash

Leeds United are back in action on Friday but face arguably their toughest test of the season at table-topping Sunderland. Daniel Farke’s men brought a hard-earned point back from Norwich City on Tuesday but travel to a side who have won four from four without conceding at the Stadium of Light so far.

A third game in six days would usually offer up the chance to rotate but Farke’s options are limited, with Ilia Gruev the latest to suffer an injury. The Bulgarian joins a growing list of first-team absentees and the YEP has rounded up the latest on each below.

Isaac Schmidt

Summer arrival Schmidt got eight minutes in front of the Elland Road crowd against Coventry but complained of glute problems in the aftermath, with the 24-year-old missing Tuesday’s trip to Norwich. He is the most likely to return in time for Friday.

“It looks a bit better with Isaac,” Farke said on Wednesday. “We'll give it a go in our last training session before the game and if he comes through he could be available but I expect him to be the only one who comes back.”

Possible return date: October 4 (vs Sunderland)

Manor Solomon

A combination of back and hamstring issues have kept Solomon out of action since the 1-0 defeat against Burnley last month, with the Israeli international expected back after the international break. There was hope he’d return to training this week but that is yet to be the case.

“We were hoping [Solomon] could be involved today in training but it was not impossible,” Farke said. “I expect the game comes a bit too soon for him and we go with what we've got.”

Possible return date: October 18 (vs Sheffield United)

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Daniel James

James has missed Leeds’ last five games with a hamstring injury, having suffered a setback in his initial recovery. The winger was not called up to the Wales squad for the October international break and is not expected to feature until after that.

Possible return date: October 18 (vs Sheffield United)

Max Wober

Another who has been battling a knee injury, this time picked up on international duty, Wober was pencilled in for meniscus surgery on Tuesday. Farke did not provide any update on how that procedure went but said earlier this week he expects the Austrian to be out for around six weeks.

Possible return date: November 24 (vs Swansea City)

Ethan Ampadu

Gruev’s recent injury is made all the worse by Ampadu’s long-term absence, with the club captain suffering a serious injury to the lateral collateral ligament in his knee against Coventry. Farke said on Monday that Ampadu is looking at 10 weeks before even training, with a return to play not expected until the new year.

Possible return date: January 1 (vs Blackburn Rovers)

Ilia Gruev

Leeds’ midfield issues intensified further when Gruev was forced off during the draw at Norwich, with the 24-year-old suffering what looked to be a knee injury. He is due for scans but as of Thursday afternoon, Farke did not have a clear update.

“We are still awaiting a further assessment,” the Leeds boss said. “He will have a scan a little bit later today and I can tell you a little bit more this evening perhaps. It looks a bit better, he doesn't feel that bad but we will wait for the scan.”

Possible return date: Unknown