Some injuries keep players out for a couple of weeks. Bad injuries can keep a player sidelined for a few months, and then there is Marley Wilson. The Leeds United attacker has been out for almost two years.
It is March 2024 and an 18-year-old Wilson is firing on all cylinders for Leeds United’s U18 side. A player showing real promise, with stats of seven goals in eight U18 Premier League appearances that season.
The youngster had scored hat-tricks in away wins over Everton, which resulted in a 3-0 victory, and Derby. A massive 6-1 triumph away from home. But shortly after that, in March 2024, he picked up an injury.
Reports at the time stated that Wilson had suffered a back injury, and a possible fracture. It was believed that Wilson would be out for a few months and back in time for the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
Leeds United talent Marley Wilson reacts after injury hell
But Wilson, who had also played for the U21 side on three occasions before his injury, was to remain on the sidelines for a whole lot longer. Last weekend, Wilson finally made his return to action for Leeds.
Under Scott Gardner and now 20 years of age, Wilson came off the bench to replace Harry Gray in a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in PL2. Then, on Tuesday night, Wilson made his second outing after injury.
Leeds, down to 10 men, put in a brave display against League Two side Accrington Stanley, eventually losing 3-2 at The Wham. Wilson took to Instagram, delighted to have returned after 619 days injured.
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Harry Gray and former Leeds players react to Wilson’s return
Great news for Wilson and for Leeds, with he young attacker deemed as a real gem for the future before he picked up his injury. Wilson penned terms until June 2025, but he has clearly signed a new deal.
He got eight minutes on Tuesday night, as Gray scored a brace in the 3-2 EFL Trophy defeat. Gray has now taken his tally to 10 goals for the 21’s this season, and he responded to Wilson’s post on Thursday.
Screenshot of Harry Gray commenting on Leeds U21 teammate Marley Wilson's Instagram.
When Wilson last played before his injury, Diogo Monteiro, James Debayo and Cian Coleman were all teammates. Monteiro is now with Arouca, while Debayo and Coleman have since left Elland Road.
The trio also reacted to Wilson’s Instagram, with the attacker expected to be involved with the 21s for a third time this month when they face National League side Gateshead away, in the National League Cup.
Screenshot of former Leeds players James Debayo, Cian Coleman and Diogo Monteiro commenting on Marley Wilson's Instagram.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out for Wilson, but it seems Leeds have given the 20-year-old the time to recover from his injury and now, he will look to show why he deserves to stay.