The race for automatic promotion to the Premier League gets back underway this weekend and Leeds United fans will be hoping The Whites return to action with a win against Swansea at Elland Road.
A handful of Leeds players will be in action beforehand, with the international break still ongoing. Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, Manor Solomon, Mateo Joseph, Dan James, Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow play this week.
But one player that will be on his way back to Thorp Arch today is Ilia Gruev, after representing Bulgaria during the international break. The midfielder has already played twice during the break against Ireland.
Two legs in the Nations League against the Irish, in which Bulgaria suffered two 2-1 defeats. On Sunday night, Gruev played 90 minutes again as Ireland came from behind to win – Adam Idah scoring late on.
Ilia Gruev sends message to Bulgaria fans after suffering defeat
It has been a frustrating season for Gruev. Injured for four months, Gruev no longer finds himself as first choice at Elland Road. It saw Gruev finish only second in the race for the Bulgarian Player of the Year.
Following a 2-1 loss in the first leg, Bulgaria went to Ireland and took the lead only to lose again – which saw Ireland retain their Nations League B status. On Instagram, Gruev said: “Thank you for your support.”
Jaidon Anthony heaps praise on Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev
Gruev and Anthony clearly got on well during their time together at Elland Road. Anthony was mostly on the bench last season and for the first half of 2023-24, shared the bench with £4m signing Gruev.
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Anthony of course, has since left after his loan expired and is now shining at promotion rivals Burnley. The winger has had a hand in 10 goals as Scott Parker’s side continue to pile the pressure on Leeds.
Reacting to Gruev’s post, Anthony compared the Leeds midfielder to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets. The Spanish veteran is currently playing alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami.