Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira has been struggling recently with a knee injury and it has turned out to be worse than initially feared, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The regional newspaper claims that there was initially minor concern over the 19-year-old after he skipped England Under-20 duty and the Whites’ last home match against Reading.
However, it is understood that the teenager has been managing with tendonitis in his knee for the last few months.
The report details that his introduction into the first team last season at Elland Road saw a sharp rise of stress on his body after 38 appearances and he also participated with England at the Toulon Tournament over the summer.
Vieira was able to make a huge impact at the weekend as he inspired Leeds to a 3-0 away win over Bristol City in the Championship and will now want to cement a regular position in the starting XI.
The central midfielder is going to have to manage his knee injury carefully to stay available this season and try to help the Yorkshire giants achieve promotion.
“It’s a bit of tendonitis, I think a lot of players suffer with it,” Vieira said.
“I can play with it but I didn’t go away with England because it was a bit sore.
“I stayed and did some work on it and it feels alright now. It feels good.
OPINION
Vieira’s knee injury will be a concern for many Leeds fans as they won’t want the combative midfielder to miss large parts of the season. He has been eased into the campaign by manager Thomas Christiansen, but his brilliant display at the weekend against Bristol City suggested he is now set for an extended role in the team. Vieira feels that he is now up and running for the season, but his long-standing knee injury is always going to be in the back of his and the manager’s mind.