Leeds employee hails ‘huge’ update on Ian Poveda move
Leeds United starlet Ian Poveda is set for a “massive boost” to his confidence and fitness as he prepares to return to loan club Blackburn Rovers, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Thorp Arch medical team “deserve credit” for their work with the 22-year-old after his “devastating” injury blow.
Poveda has been back at parent club Leeds United after undergoing ankle surgery following an injury picked up in action for Blackburn in November 2021.
As quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph (14 April), Rovers boss Tony Mowbray revealed the youngster could return for the last few weeks of the Championship season.
He revealed Poveda is “on the training ground working hard” and claimed a decision will be made this week.
Whelan insisted a return to action could be a “huge thing” for the former Man City and Barcelona youngster.
“Nobody likes to get injured as a player and Poveda, unfortunately, picked up a really bad one,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“It came at a really bad time, as well. He had scored a goal the week before – and that’s exactly the sort of experience we wanted him to get by sending him out on loan.
“It can be devastating for a loan player. You’ve got to come back to your parent club, see the other players out on the training ground. Mentally, it’s draining and tough.
“The medical staff deserve credit. They’re always keeping on top of the recovery and the rehabilitation.
“The fact that he could come back and finish the season – it’s such a huge thing.
“Both for his confidence and his fitness, to finish the season strongly will be a massive boost.”
In other news, pundit tips Leeds United to accept “£50m” bid amid transfer twist.