Leeds United injured man backs team-mates with 'incredible journey' message ahead of FA Cup semi

Ilia Gruev has played his part in Leeds reaching the 40-point mark in the Premier League and reaching the FA Cup semi-final, featuring in 23 league games and the cup wins over Derby County and West Ham United. But while the rest of the squad prepare for the biggest outing of the season at Wembley on Sunday against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, Gruev's race is run. The Bulgarian international has picked up a knee injury that will keep him out until pre-season according to boss Daniel Farke.

Gruev admits it's a particularly disappointing outcome given what is to come this weekend, but in a post on social media backed his team-mates and insisted he would return stronger.

"Gutted to be out for the rest of the season, especially with such a great game ahead of us this Sunday," he said. "It hurts not to be out there on the pitch with the boys, but I'll definitely be there to support them from the sidelines. Time to focus on my recovery now - I'll be back stronger. And good luck to my team-mates - I'm sure we will continue our incredible journey through the final games of this big season."

Gruev, who has played 86 games for the Whites and won a Championship title under Daniel Farke, received public support from a number of his team-mates. Gabriel Gudmundsson responded to the post with: "Coming back stronger." Illan Meslier described the midfielder as his 'brother' in another comment. Pascal Struijk replied with a pair of heart emojis and Anton Stach replied: "Come back stronger."

Stach is one of those Leeds hope to have back in the squad for Sunday’s game but as of Thursday afternoon he had not yet returned to team training. Farke expected late fitness tests for both Jayden Bogle and Sebastiaan Bornauw who picked up knocks in midweek. Bogle was caught with a heavy challenge on his foot, while Bornauw rolled his ankle in the warm-up.