Leeds United injury boost already having massive impact on squad despite being “weeks” away from return

Stuart Dallas returned to full training with Leeds United this week after a lengthy hiatus due to a leg break in April 2022.

So much has changed since Stuart Dallas was stretchered off with a femur break against Manchester City at home in April 2022, and he returns to the team with the club back in the Championship.

It’s been a long road to recovery from his injuries, but it appears that he’ll be back in a white jersey soon.

Thursday evening brought the wonderful news that Dallas had returned to team training at Thorp Arch as he works his way back from injury:

Daniel Farke mentioned the renowned Northern Irishman during his pre-match press conference today, where he made the following lengthy comment on Dallas (via LeedsLive):

“First and foremost, I’m overjoyed because it was a difficult road for him during all of this rehab work, and I’m sure there were some darker moments for him as well.”

“It’s so difficult when you’re not allowed to do what you love, which is play football, and it’s great to see him back in team training for the first time, or at least in large parts of team training yesterday.” Pretty excited and joyful for him and also the group, so you could sense at him literally every player was outside to greet him with a warm greeting with a small stick to his head, it’s more like a little tradition.

“Yes, a big boost for the group because he’s a brilliant lad not only on the pitch but also off the pitch and in the dressing room, quality player but also has a lot of experience and good sense for the whole group, for the unity, and he’s a quite important, very important player for me.”

“I always like to talk to him because he’s very experienced, and he’s almost like a Leeds legend because he’s done so much for this club, so it’s great to have him back.” To be honest, it will be a while before he is truly available for the game, given he has been out for quite some time.

“You normally have this rule that you have to be back in training to get back to top fitness as soon as possible after being out.” So, to be honest, I hope it doesn’t stay that long, but it will probably last a few weeks until he’s totally in my plans and also available, but it’s a big step and I’m glad.”

Is he already making a significant impact?
As Farke points out, we can’t expect Dallas to be back at full speed in a week; it’s a process that will take time before we see him marauding down the flank again.

Aside from that, Farke highlights a significant impact Dallas has already had on the team despite not playing since that horrible injury.

He claims that “literally” every player is overjoyed with the 32-year-old’s return to Thorp Arch training, which will have a significant impact on the team’s morale.

Having someone like that in the squad on a daily basis will only benefit the team, and it’s nice to see him so close to home.