Medical expert: Leo Hjelde’s season may be over as surgery a ‘real possibility’ at Leeds
There is a real chance that Leo Hjelde needs surgery to treat a possible meniscus problem – and that will end his season at Leeds United.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Hjelde broke down with 10 minutes remaining in the 3-0 thumping at the hands of Everton earlier this month (12 February).
Leeds Live reported on Tuesday (22 February) that the Whites are yet to decide whether the 18-year-old defender will go under the knife.
Dinnery claims that the Norwegian’s season will be over if the West Yorkshire side do opt for surgical intervention.
“We don’t have a definitive diagnosis here, so we’re trying to read between the lines,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“In terms of the mechanism, it happened quite late in the game. Based on what we’ve seen in the past, it could be related to his meniscus.
“If that’s the case, they will try to manage it conservatively in this three-week period. The other option is surgical intervention, which is a real possibility.
“We’re two-thirds of the way through the season. Once you go under the knife, the expectation is that you can be three or four months out.
“If it is the meniscus, they will try it for that three-week period. If there’s a chance he can play again this season, great.
“But the reality is that, if you’re going to go under the knife, the focus is going to be getting ready for pre-season.”
Hjelde signed from Celtic in the summer and has gone on to make three appearances across all competitions.
Leeds were smashed 6-0 by Liverpool last night (23 February) and are now just three points above the relegation zone.
In other news, pundit raises “massive concern” over Robin Koch after “hearing from Leeds United medical team”.