Leeds United: Injured Ayling on course for pre-season return

Ayling was sent for an operation on damaged ankle cartilage suffered in Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day, ruling him out of the rest of the club’s Championship season.

The loss of United’s first-choice right-back was a significant blow, coming in the early stages of a nine-game winless run, and arose despite initial assessments suggesting his injury was not serious.

Speaking in Leeds’ matchday programme ahead of yesterday’s 2-2 draw with his former club Bristol City, Ayling said he was focused on making a pre-season comeback but hopeful of resuming training shortly after the Championship term finishes in May.

“Things are going well,” Ayling said. “My operation was six weeks ago and I’ve been off my crutches for a week.

“Slowly but surely I’ll be back out there but now it’s about making sure that when I do come back I stay out there and I’m not coming back into the physio room with small injury niggles.

“I’ve spoken to the physios and they’ve said we really have to make sure it is right. Next year is the aim but if I’m lucky I might be able to train at the end of the season for a week or so. I’ll train hard in the off season and come back flying for pre-season.”

Ayling has been Leeds’ first-choice right-back ever since a successful transfer from Ashton Gate in 2016. An impressive first season at Elland Road led Bristol City manager Lee Johnson, who agreed to sell Ayling to Leeds, to admit that “we’ve been judged and found wanting from a few on that one. You probably wouldn’t argue.”

United have failed to win a game in Ayling’s absence and the defender said: “It’s frustrating sitting in the stands and you can see the boys trying their hardest. Things haven’t been going our way recently and you feel for them. For me it’s horrible. I’d much rather be out there playing with them.”