It’s been a long, hard road back to fitness for Leeds United star, Stuart Dallas, but there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for the 32-year-old.
The Elland Road based outfit could surely have done with some of his experience during the 2022/23 campaign, however, Dallas hasn’t played a minute of competitive action since breaking his femur against Manchester City in April 2022.
Leeds were back at the Etihad Stadium on May 6, and Dallas was in attendance, albeit in a non-playing capacity.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Dr Rajpal Brar gave an assessment of the player’s chances of a quick return to action.
“Dallas suffered a fracture to the upper leg bone (femoral fracture),” he said.
“Him being with the squad is a good sign but hard to say how much of a good sign.
“A much better indicator will be how he’s training, whether that’s individually or with the team.“
With next season much more likely as a new start point for the player, Leeds could find themselves back in the Championship by then.
Given his advancing years and just how physical the second tier of the English football pyramid can be, it’s entirely possible that Dallas will assess his own options before committing himself to a gruelling season.
It isn’t clear whether his injury will withstand such rigours and, whichever league Leeds do find themselves in, they can’t afford to have any ‘passengers.’
Though it’s turned into an unfortunate situation for player and club, the sooner it’s resolved one way or the other, the better for all concerned.