Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
Marcelo Bielsa gives triple injury update ahead of Leeds clash against Palace
Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-Crystal Palace press conference – – that Gaetano Berardi will return to Leeds United training on Monday, but Rodrigo and Ian Poveda are expected to be on the sidelines for “weeks”.
Berardi, 32, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the remaining Championship matches following promotion to the Premier League. Leeds handed the one-time Switzerland international a 12-month contract to keep him until the summer.
Now, Berardi is edging closer to a return from the long-term knee problem after the best part of a year on the sidelines. Rodrigo, meanwhile, suffered an injury against Leicester and missed the defeat to Everton last time out.
The Spain international – along with Poveda, who limped off during Monday’s Under-23 win over Sunderland – are expected to be on the sidelines for weeks instead of just “days”. But Bielsa stated that Berardi will return to training on Monday.
On Berardi, Bielsa said: “He’s going to be returning to training on Monday with the team. Under-23s thereafter.” He continued, on Poveda and Rodrigo: “All depends on the evolution of their injuries. It’s not a question of days, more weeks.”
All three – Berardi, Poveda and Rodrigo – will miss the clash against Palace at Elland Road on Monday, though – as will Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Adam Forshaw.
TBR’s view – Berardi return will help the team off the pitch
While the former Sampdoria man might not be a regular in the Leeds side in the Premier League when he does eventually return, having him about the squad and in the dressing room will be a massive boost to the Whites.
His fiery, lion-like passion will help the Leeds players get into the right mindset during the second half of the season. It is largely why Leeds handed him a new deal when injured, given his loyalty to Leeds and his passion for the club.
