OPINION
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has had to contend with a long list of injuries for many weeks now, with several first-team stars struck down by a litany of unfortunate blows.
The Whites’ injury problems have most keenly been felt in defence, with Gaetano Berardi, Barry Douglas, and Conor Shaughnessy all enduring spells on the sidelines recently.
While Douglas is now set to return from his hamstring complaint, Bielsa has now suffered a double blow that once again massively limits his options at the back.
Berardi has unfortunately suffered another injury just two starts after returning from his last one, while Luke Ayling is set for two months out with damage to his medial collateral ligament in his knee.
Now, while Ayling’s latest blow may seem like a bad one, Bielsa will in fact be counting his lucky stars after an update from the club’s medical staff.
As quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Rob Price, head of medicine at Elland Road, said: “We are all disappointed for Luke but the prognosis could have been worse.
“The injury to the ligament is isolated and the rest of his knee is fine which is encouraging. It is our job now as a medical department to work closely with the player and get him back involved as soon as possible, stronger than ever.”
So, while the news that Ayling is set for two months out is a bitter pill to swallow, Bielsa will in fact be relieved that the injury suffered by the 27-year-old was not worse.
Ayling has transformed into a key player for Leeds ever since his arrival from Bristol City, and the Whites really need him back as soon as possible if they are to continue the season strongly.
Dealing without him for two months will be difficult, but the fact is that this injury could well have put him out for double that time or more, and Bielsa will be thankful for that as he looks to guide Leeds to the Premier League.