Leeds United have been handed a double injury boost after Luke Ayling and Laurens de Bock both returned to first-team training after lengthy absences.
Right-back mainstay Ayling has been missing for four months after sustaining a serious ankle injury in their clash against Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day.
Left-back de Bock has been out for a month-and-a-half after suffering a hamstring tear, with the £4million January signing on the sidelines for seven games so far.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against Norwich City on Saturday, manager Paul Heckingbottom has now revealed that both players have returned to training.
Luke Ayling is back in training after his ankle operation in January. Laurens De Bock also fit again after a hamstring injury. Tyler Roberts still getting over his shin problem. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) April 26, 2018
Heckingbottom also confirmed that young striker Tyler Roberts is still working to get back to fitness after suffering a shin injury just weeks after joining in January.
OPINION
Having Ayling and de Bock back in training is a big boost for Heckingbottom, but it is yet to be seen how much of a part the duo will be able to play in the remainder of the season. Both are returning from lengthy absences and that would suggest they have some way to go to get back to full fitness. There would be little point in risking either star in the coming games, with Leeds having so little to play for.