Expert fears Stuart Dallas' career is over after Leeds source's update
Leeds United star Stuart Dallas is facing a "horrible" journey back to full fitness after his latest injury.
That's according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the midfielder's road to recovery.
The 31-year-old was stretchered off at the end of the first half of Leeds’ 4-0 defeat to Man City last weekend (30 April) after a challenge with Jack Grealish.
A club source told Football Insider on Friday (6 May) that the injury is worse than first feared and Dallas could be out of competitive action for 12 months.
That would mean he misses the rest of this season and the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign.
When McAvennie heard this update, he told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild, "oh no, oh my god, that's awful.
"I have been there as a player, I have had some real long-term injuries with my legs.
"I really worry for him because it is a lonely road back when you are out for that long, it's horrible.
"You have to just believe you can get back. You have to keep your chin up and think of making it back.
"Family is a big thing in this, and your mates and I'm sure Leeds will look after him.
"The one positive, I guess, is that it's not career-ending. I mean, maybe it will be, when you are out for that long you never know.
"You just hope he can come back the same way and it doesn't get to the point when he has to retire.
"I'm absolutely gutted for him because I know what he's about to go through."
Dallas has started 121 of Leeds’ last 122 league games and has been a rare constant in a side that has been plagued by injuries to key players this term.
The Northern Ireland international’s consistency was rewarded with a three-year deal last summer (2021).