Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has revealed his timeline for returning from his ankle injury, with the 26-year-old hoping to be fully fit for pre-season.
Ayling was injured during Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day, and it was found that he needed surgery after sustaining ankle ligament damage.
The right-back was subsequently ruled out for the season, and has now given fans a timeline for his return in the club’s official programme for Sunday’s clash v Bristol City.
When asked if he was looking to be fully-fit for pre-season in July, Ayling replied: “That is the plan. Things are going well now, so who knows? I spoke to the physios, though, and they have 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 week or so. I’ll train hard in the off-season and as you say, come back flying for pre-season.”
The enforcer’s comments can be seen here in a tweet from Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay:
Luke Ayling talking about his ankle op in the programme, confident of being fully fit for the start of pre-season pic.twitter.com/1cOhhBcLnf
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) February 18, 2018
Ayling was a mainstay for the Whites before his injury, playing every single minute of Championship action for former boss Thomas Christiansen up until that point.
OPINION
It will be reassuring for Leeds fans to hear that Ayling’s recovery is going well. The right-back is a crucial member of this squad, and his return for pre-season will be much welcome. Injuries have plagued the Whites all season, and they could end up being the difference between promotion and another season in the Championship, so it is crucial that Ayling returns fully-fit for next campaign. For now, they must do without him, and go in search of that unlikely play-off spot with a win against Bristol on Sunday afternoon.