Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev is looking to rehabilitate from a knee injury that ended his Premier League season prematurely.
The Whites players not involved in the World Cup are no doubt enjoying some hard-earned rest and relaxation throughout June. The club, meanwhile, are preparing for a second season back in the top flight.
Of those deserving a break is Ilia Gruev. Bulgaria’s 2026 Player of the Year suffered a gutting injury that ruled him out of the FA Cup semi-final and the remainder of Leeds’ season, now looking to recover.
Ilia Gruev delivers update on Leeds United injury recovery ahead of pre-season
Another meniscus setback for Gruev meant that he could play no part in Leeds seeing out the job of Premier League survival.
Reactions on his social media from teammates past and present, plus Daniel Farke’s continued faith in him, outline how valued he is in the Elland Road dressing room.
Now, in an interview with former club Werder Bremen, Gruev shared an update on his recovery from that knee issue.
“I’m feeling better and I’m making progress. Currently I am in Bulgaria, in Sofia and combine rehab and time with the family,” Gruev explained.
“It’s not nice that I hurt myself again, but it’s part of the sport. It was a pity that I couldn’t help the team anymore in the last games. But you have to keep going, keep going, work on it and then it will be again. But of course it’s hard for every athlete when they can’t do what they love the most.”
Meanwhile, Gruev is one of multiple at Elland Road that are heading towards the final 12 months of their contract.
Signed for £5million from the Bundesliga club, Gruev has proven himself to be a dependable defensive presence first in the Championship and now in the Premier League.
When asked about his transfer plans both now and in the future, he was very firm on his Leeds focus. Gruev outlined his happiness at making the move to West Yorkshire, now a Premier League player.
“You can always imagine anything. But I have to say that I really appreciate the Premier League and really like playing here. Of course, I still follow the Bundesliga, but my focus is on the league in England,” Gruev responded.
Gruev also touched on the future plans of the club themselves too. The ongoing stadium expansion plans are exciting for him and everyone affiliated with the Whites.
“The club wants to develop further, in the near future the stadium will be enlarged,” Gruev added.
“We want to become an established Premier League club again – which is not easy. Leeds has a very big power and can develop even more energy. Just because the fan base is outstanding and we have the circumstances.”
Ilia Gruev’s personality a key part of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United – His contract is the elephant in the room
Thomas Tuchel’s selection of Jordan Henderson raises eyebrows. Hear me out, I think the logic there can also be applied to Gruev in this Leeds side.
Can you argue that others might’ve been more suited to starting often in the Premier League this season? Yes, you could.
But, there’s clearly intangibles to Gruev in this Leeds squad that make him a hugely valuable asset to what Farke is building.
Gruev’s work off the field both as a key squad member, and as a pillar of the community, means Farke may not think kindly to him being cast aside.
That being said, his contract is heading into the final year. Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe has noted that tough decisions on player sales will be made. If someone offers us a handsome fee for the Bulgarian, I wouldn’t be shocked to see it seriously considered.
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