Leeds employee shares ‘exciting’ Poveda prediction after critical development
Jesse Marsch will be “excited” to see Leeds United starlet Ian Poveda in action as he ramps up his injury return, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 22-year-old will be “pushing” for a place in the American’s side for next season.
Poveda has been back at Thorp Arch after undergoing ankle surgery following an injury picked up in action for loan club Blackburn in November 2021.
However, Tony Mowbray revealed (14 April) last week that the youngster could yet return to Ewood Park for the last weeks of the Championship season as he returns to fitness.
The winger, formerly of Barcelona and Man City, scored one and assisted two in eight Rovers appearances prior to his injury.
Marsch succeeded former boss Marcelo Bielsa in February and has since steered the Whites clear of relegation danger.
Whelan insisted Leeds United have a “really good player” on their hands in Poveda.
“He won’t be going on holiday for too long, that’s for sure,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“He’ll be pushing and continuing that rehabilitation even if he does go back to Blackburn – because he’ll be pushing for places in the Leeds side next season.
“This is a really important time for him to get back to maximum strength.
“The new manager has come in, and that will provide him with a clean slate to play off. I’m sure Jesse Marsch will be excited to see him in action, but he needs to see him fully fit.
“We know he’s got the ability, the pace. Maybe this strength and conditioning time he has had will give him the extra physical nature he needs.
“If he can come back strong, fit, and healthy, I think we’ve got a really good player on our hands.”
In other news, pundit tips Leeds United to accept “£50m” bid amid transfer twist.