Leeds United players have been put through their paces this week having returned for pre-season on Monday.
A number have been granted a delayed return due to participation in international competition, with Mateo Joseph and Wilfried Gnonto not due to check in until next week. Brenden Aaronson is expected to be the last player back given he only left the USA’s camp.
A few hours after the Americans fell to a 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup final on Monday morning, United’s players were back for pre-season testing. On Wednesday, footage emerged of the players returning to Thorp Arch to complete final checks and start a bit of running.
This included the dreaded beep test, which was jointly won by Joel Piroe and Sam Byram. Here are a few more things which were spotted during the session.
Struijk back running
Pascal Struijk missed the end of the season due to a foot injury but the hope was that he would be back for pre-season. The Dutchman appeared to complete his checks amply this week and took part in the beep test, which is a good sign.
He has suffered three significant setbacks in the past two seasons and is set to be relegated to third-choice centre-back following the arrival of Jaka Bijol. Struijk was nevertheless seen with a smile on his face.
Meslier in good spirits
On the topic of morale, Illan Meslier was in a good mood as he welcomed his teammates back to work. The goalkeeper has lost his number one spot having been dropped by Daniel Farke for the final seven games of the season.
As a result there is uncertainty over his future with a year left on his contract. United are by no means forcing him out of the door but there is an acceptance that the Frenchman could seek first-team game time elsewhere this summer.
Harrison back in the fold
Debate has ensued between fans about what to do with Jack Harrison, who is not the most popular figure among some supporters following his two-season loan away at Everton. He has rejoined the Leeds pack with Everton choosing not to enter immediate transfer discussions.
At the moment, United only have two natural left wingers with Largie Ramazani the other option, though Gnonto can also play there. What lies ahead for Harrison is uncertain and no decision has been made yet. Right now, he remains a Leeds player.
New teammates settling in
While familiar faces return to training, the new signings have been settling in. Jaka Bijol met a few of his teammates for the first time, slapping hands with his colleagues. He also low-fived Piroe after he won the beep test.
Lukas Nmecha was spotted working up a sweat with Sebastiaan Bornauw also undertaking running drills. The defender was seen chatting to Isaac Schmidt as he made his way onto one of the pitches, friendships clearly already being formed.
Farke’s greeting
Players were left flat out on the turf after being pushed hard in their running drills, with some visibly feeling the ache. Ilia Gruev was walking a bit gingerly as he trudged back to the dressing room but probably as a result of his exertion rather than anything sinister.
As the squad headed back inside, Farke gave the players hugs and hand-slaps, including an embrace for joint beep test winner Byram, who penned a contract renewal this week. There was also a warm greeting for Ramazani, who fell out of selection favour towards the end of last season. The mood is good, it seems.
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