Leeds United winger misses training for Sunderland trip as Daniel Farke gives Ilia Gruev latest

Gruev went down injured as Norwich City striker Josh Sargent was preparing to take a penalty at Carrow Road in the 1-1 draw on Tuesday night. Although the Bulgarian international returned to the pitch after having treatment, he soon sank back to the turf and had to limp off in scenes painfully reminiscent of Ethan Ampadu’s first half exit during Saturday’s win over Coventry City.

Ampadu’s absence is already a huge blow for Farke. The club captain was ever-present last season, playing 90 minutes in each and every Championship and play-off game, but Leeds will be without him now until January. Doctors have advised Leeds to take a conservative approach to the Welshman’s treatment and he could be back in team training in 10 weeks if surgery is not required. But Farke has admitted it will be the new year before Ampadu can play again.

Now Leeds may have to contend without either of their defensive midfield options, leaving Farke with a pair of 8s in Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell. Tanaka has already experienced the more disciplined side of Farke’s central midfield system albeit over the course of just two outings, whereas Rothwell is yet to start in the Championship since arriving on loan from Bournemouth.

The club do not yet know the extent of Gruev’s injury. Farke said: “We are still awaiting a further assessment. 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.”

Winger Daniel James is not expected back in action until after the October international break due to a hamstring injury, while Manor Solomon has missed the last two games due to a back problem and a hamstring niggle. New signing Isaac Schmidt, who played his first football of the season for Leeds as a late substitute on Saturday at Elland Road, reported a glute issue and did not travel to Carrow Road in midweek.

Farke said the Norwich game resulted in the usual bumps and bruises but there are no other fresh injury worries for the Sunderland game yet, but while Schmidt has a chance of returning, Solomon is doubtful.

“Like always a few hits and knocks after a really competitive game but no one was ruled out for the game, at least not today,” said Farke. “We have a few injured players from the last weeks. It looks a bit better with Isaac, 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. We were hoping [Solomon] could be involved today in training but it was not impossible so I expect the game comes a bit too soon for him and we go with what we've got.”