Leeds United employee issues Stuart Dallas comeback verdict after source’s update – ‘Knowing Stuart…’
Noel Whelan has tipped Stuart Dallas to return sooner than expected from his serious injury layoff at Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and club ambassador insisted the 31-year-old would show the determination and mental strength to make a recovery as soon as possible.
A Leeds source told Football Insider on Friday (6 May) that the club fear Dallas could miss the entirety of next season after suffering a femoral fracture against Man City.
The Northern Ireland international underwent surgery last week.
Whelan admitted Dallas faces both a mental and physical fight to return to his best.
However, he suggested the Leeds mainstay could surprise medics with how quickly he makes a comeback.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Any long-term injury is a challenge, more so mentally and emotionally as well. You want to be taking part out there with the lads, fighting with them out on the field, especially with the predicament we’re in.
“It’s something out the blue for Stuart, he’s never really gone through a long-term injury before.
“I’m sure he’ll be in the changing room trying to give his opinions and gee the lads on. That’s fantastic but look, it is demoralising when you get a really long injury. Any injury is hard to take. Whether it’s a hamstring, a tear, a small fracture. Long term, it can take its toll on you mentally.
“But the good thing is that we’re near the end of the season. It gives him that six to eight weeks to kind of get his rehab under his belt. He’s had the operation, it’s now a healing process.
“At the end of the season, it’s nice to be away from the club so you can put your feet up, you can go on holiday. Yes, you’re injured but I think getting away from football at times is not a bad thing when you have a long-term injury, just to clear your mind.
“Reflect, get your head into a good place and know that you’re gonna be working very hard to get back fitter and stronger like he says. There’s no doubt about it, he will. He’s one of these people that is very honest, he will put the hard work in, the graft.
“Knowing Stuart Dallas he will probably be back sooner rather than later because of that determination that he has in his mind.”
In other news, Leeds United have set their sights on signing West Ham destroyer.