Ilia Gruev - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Returns to action with U21s Gruev (knee) is in the starting XI for Leeds U21s against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Impact Gruev is set to get his first competitive minutes since being sidelined by the knee injury in April, marking another significant step toward a first-team return. The midfielder had already completed multiple weeks of full training, but coach Daniel Farke indicated that U21 minutes would be beneficial after roughly four months out. Gruev's experience means he should not require an extended spell at youth level, and a successful outing Sunday could put him closer to returning to the senior matchday squad.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Edging closer after long term injury Gruev (knee) is edging closer to a return after his long term injury, now in his second week of training with the team, according to coach Daniel Farke, per Lee Sobot of the Yorksh...

Impact Gruev has been sidelined since undergoing treatment for a meniscus injury in April, and his continued progress through full training is an encouraging sign. Manager Farke noted that while it would normally be expected for a player to get minutes with the U21s first, Gruev's experience means he could be considered for first team involvement sooner if needed, with his status continuing to be assessed as Leeds' enters the first stretch of the season.

AUGUST 28 • ROTOWIRE

Could return Sunday Gruev (knee) has returned to full team training but will not be available for Tuesday's EFL Cup clash against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Ilia was part-int...

Impact Gruev has progressed to full team training without experiencing any reaction in his knee after initially being partially reintegrated last week. Tuesday's cup match comes too soon for the midfielder, who has been sidelined since undergoing treatment for a meniscus injury in April. Gruev could instead be available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brentford if he continues to train without setbacks.

AUGUST 24 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Gruev (knee) isn't with the squad and remains unavailable for Saturday's match against Nottingham Forest.

Impact Gruev's 2025-26 season ended prematurely in April due to a meniscus injury, and he spent much of the summer continuing his rehabilitation. He did not feature during preseason and remains away from the squad, with Tuesday's cup match against Nottingham Forest his next opportunity to return.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Back in contention after knee layoff Gruev (knee) is available for Saturday's season opener against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Daniel Farke. "All the others are available."

Impact Gruev's return caps a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury that kept him out of Leeds' preseason trip to the United States. When healthy last season, he was a regular contributor in midfield, chipping in three assists across 23 appearances, 15 of them starts, and his passing range and work rate off the ball give manager Daniel Farke a proven option to call on again in the middle of the park now that he's back to full fitness.

AUGUST 20 • ROTOWIRE

Continues comeback from injury Gruev (knee) remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a meniscus knee injury, missing Leeds' preseason friendly against Wrexham, according to Leeds Live.

Impact Gruev's absence adds to a lengthy list of notable outs for Leeds during their trip to the United States, and his energy and range of passing in midfield make his eventual return a boost once he's back to full fitness. No updated timeline has been disclosed at this stage, and he's expected to continue his rehabilitation as preseason progresses.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Back for start of preseason Gruev (knee) was present for the first day of preseason training, the club posted.

Impact Gruev's season ended early in April due to a meniscus knee injury, and he spent much of the summer continuing his rehabilitation in his native Bulgaria. His presence on day one suggests the recovery has progressed on schedule despite the setback. The midfielder, who was named 2025 Bulgarian Player of the Year, has a year remaining on his contract, meaning he can discuss pre-contract terms with overseas clubs beginning in January if no extension is reached before then. Gruev is expected to continue building toward full training as Leeds' preseason progresses.

JULY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev out for rest of season with meniscus injury

Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev will miss the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea plus the remainder of the season because of a meniscus injury

APRIL 23 • Associated Press

Done for season Gruev is done for the season due to a meniscus injury, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Yes, sadly, bad news. So, a meniscus injury is confirmed. It will keep him definitely out...

Impact Gruev is not going to play again this season after it was announced he suffered a bad injury, as the midfielder now deals with a meniscus injury. Unfortunately, there is no chance of a return this season, as he will instead set his sights on being fit for the preseason. This will leave the club without depth in the midfield, a rough loss as they deal with the injury of Anton Stach (ankle), possibly opening up more time for Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka. Gruev ends the season starting in 15 of his 23 appearances, recording no goals on seven shots and three assists on 11 chances created.

APRIL 23 • ROTOWIRE

Supplies two assists in win Gruev assisted twice to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Friday's 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Impact Gruev played a pinpoint ball over the top to setup Leeds United's opening goal Friday before supplying the cross that led to their third in a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest. In addition to his goal contributions, the midfielder added one interception, two clearances and one block to the defensive effort. Gruev has been named to the starting XI in seven successive league fixtures. Friday's 90-minute shift was his first full 90 minutes since late Nov.

FEBRUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Leeds beat Forest and take giant step towards securing Premier League status

Leeds United has taken a huge step towards securing its Premier League status with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest

FEBRUARY 6 • Associated Press

Dishes assist Gruev assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Newcastle United.

Impact Gruev earned his first goal contribution of the season, as he set up Brenden Aaronson, who buried a shot from the right side of the box in the 79th minute. This also marked the third straight game where Gruev racked up at least 30 completed passes. On the defensive side, he was solid with two tackles won and three interceptions.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Five crosses from midfield Gruev had five crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 loss versus Manchester City.

Impact Gruev would find his way into the starting XI Saturday after not appearing in their past three games, recording 90 minutes of play. He would see some decent work with his five crosses and two chances created, although there was no goal contribution to follow. It was only his third start of the season in six appearances, still without a goal contribution.

NOVEMBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starts again Gruev started during Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

Impact Gruev got the start three days after he started and went the full 90 in a 5-0 Premier League loss to Arsenal. The midfielder has seemingly earned the trust of boss Daniel Farke and is set to be a big part of the team in Leeds. His minutes could be even more important with Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka both struggling with injuries. Even when starting Gruev has limited upside for the newly promoted side.

AUGUST 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Takes on significant role Gruev made 31 appearances (18 starts) during the 2022/23 Bundesliga.

Impact Gruev took a step forward in his first full season in the Bundesliga. The midfielder did well throughout the season adding 31 appearances and taking over a consistent role in defensive midfield. Gruev started the final three matches of the Bundesliga and made four tackles while adding four clearances.

JUNE 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Koln Gruev (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Koln.

Impact Gruev lasted 76 minutes against Leipzig last week and was doubtful due to a minor muscular problem, but he gets the nod here and will make his second consecutive start -- something he hadn't done since mid-March. He's yet to score in 30 appearances (17 starts) during the current Bundesliga campaign, though.

MAY 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Off with cramps Gruev was forced off in the second half of Sunday's match against Leipzig due to cramping.

Impact Gruev left the match in the 75th minute after succumbing to injury and being replaced by Niklas Schmidt. The midfielder will hope to return in time for next week's match against Koln.

MAY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Reports to Bulgarian national team Gruev took part in training with the Bulgarian national team.

Impact Gruev took part in training with his national team as expected, after recovering from a flu. The midfielder is fully fit for the second half of the Bundesliga.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Misses out through illness Gruev is not in the match day squad to face Leipzig due to illness.

Impact Gruev misses out on the final match before the World Cup after coming down with an illness in the buildup. The midfielder has just over two months to recover before Bremen's next league match.

NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Creates two chances Gruev had three crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Friday's 1-0 victory versus Hertha BSC Berlin.

Impact Gruev created two chances during Friday's win, while also sending in two corners, his first two of the campaign. It's unlikely that Gruev is taking work away from Marvin Ducksch on set-pieces, though it's a nice boon for fantasy managers. Gruev will remain a solid floor play, with some upside if this role on set-pieces sticks in any meaningful way.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in win Gruev had one cross (zero accurate) and zero chances created in Saturday's 5-1 win versus Monchengladbach.

Impact Gruev had plenty to do behind the ball as he made his second consecutive start. The midfielder has taken a more defensive role in the Bremen midfield, giving him a safe floor so far in his starts. There's not a ton of offensive upside for Gruev but his floor and ability to fill the stat sheet could give him so sneaky value and a safer floor defensively.

OCTOBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev out for rest of season with meniscus injury

Leeds beat Forest and take giant step towards securing Premier League status