Ben Dinnery

Thu 17 March 2022 14:52, UK

Leeds United centre-back Leo Hjelde’s season may not be over after all.

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, an 18-year-old summer signing from Celtic, suffered a meniscus cruciate knee ligament injury in the 3-0 defeat at Everton in February.

Per club media last Wednesday (8 March), Jesse Marsch revealed that Hjelde has undergone successful surgery and his injury is “not so severe”.

Dinnery told this site on 24 February that Hjelde’s season would likely be over if Leeds did opt to send him for an operation.

But new post-procedure details mean that the Norwegian could play again in 2021-22, claims the injury expert.

“His injury was cartilage-related in the meniscus,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.

“The club said that they would try and manage the issue conservatively and see if there was a response.

“They weren’t getting the results they hoped and so he has ultimately gone under the knife.

“Fortunately, it appeared to be a lot better than initially thought in that surgery. It was a little bit of a surprise, but a good one for Leeds.

“It just needed a little bit of a trim and a tidy up in the meniscus, so not too invasive.

“Because of that minimal procedure, we are potentially looking at weeks as opposed to months. A return this season is realistic.

“He’s not first-choice. There are players coming back like Liam Cooper. They can therefore afford to make sure there are no unnecessary risks taken.

“But before the end of the season is more than realistic. The six to eight-week mark would be good if things go really well.”

Hjelede has made three senior appearances this season.

Whites skipper and fellow centre-half Cooper has returned to training and could be available for the clash against Wolves tomorrow (18 March).

In other news, pundit raises new Patrick Bamford injury fears at Leeds United after what he’s “heard” pre-Wolves