Bielsa provides update on Leeds pair Berardi and Forshaw

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Marcelo Bielsa has claimed – in comments reported by Leeds Live – that Gaetano Berardi is close to returning to training with the Leeds United squad, while he also provided an encouraging update on Adam Forshaw.

Neither Berardi or Forshaw have featured for the Whites this season. Berardi has been out since sustaining a serious injury in the win over Derby County at the end of the last campaign.

Meanwhile, Forshaw has been out for even longer. His last game came in September 2019. The lack of updates concerning the midfielder’s fitness has been a concern for supporters.

But when asked whether Berardi and Forshaw could feature before the end of the season, Bielsa seemed to suggest that the door is not shut for either.

“Berardi will start to train with the group shortly,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live. “While he had a serious knee injury which kept him out for a long time, many have had this in the past and come back to play.

“The problem with Forshaw is a little longer. He hasn’t played for over a year now and the medical decisions taken recently make us think he will play again in the not-too-distant future. Forshaw is a professional who looks after his health very much. That’s why I think as soon as these injury problems are resolved I think he will be able to compete very quickly.”

TBR View: Leeds fans will love seeing Berardi and Forshaw play again

It will please a lot of Leeds fans if both Berardi and Forshaw do feature in the top flight this season. Berardi, in particular, is a cult hero at Elland Road.

The love for him only increased when he signed an extension to his contract to see out the final games of last season. Of course, it was a decision that led to the injury that keeps him sidelined.

Meanwhile, Forshaw was arguably enjoying the best spell of his Leeds career to date before his injury. He was outstanding in the early weeks of last season.

It will be asking a lot to expect either player to be at the level required for the Premier League anytime soon given the length of time they have been out for. But it is a huge boost to hear that they may play a part this season.