Kemar Roofe discusses injury, Leeds fans will be hugely encouraged

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Kemar Roofe has told LUTV that he is in the final stage of his rehabilitation process before he will be allowed to return to first-team training.

The 25-year-old striker, who has scored 14 goals in 26 Championship matches for Leeds, suffered a long-term knee injury towards the start of February in the 2-1 win over Swansea City.

Roofe was ruled out for eight weeks with the knee problem. It meant that fans would be without their top scorer until the middle of April, with a crucial promotion run-in standing between now and the end of the season.

But the former West Bromwich Albion youth player could be about to surprise many by returning to the senior side, ahead of schedule. He spoke of how he is already nearing a return to first-team training.

“I’m very positive,” Roofe said. “We’re outside on the grass, doing some ball work. Turning, sprinting, doing some more game-realistic exercises. The previous week it was more straight line, keeping the knee straight.

“Now, the knee is at a good strength and we can move it. I can see the finish line, which is getting back with the team. When you’ve been in the gym six or seven weeks, then you’re back on the grass, your body needs to get used to it.

“You need to maintain that strength. You need to build up that muscle so you’re not suffering another injury, you want to be kicking on again. It’s been frustrating.”

TBR’s view

Getting Roofe back is crucial. The striker’s goals are important, but it is his ability to contribute to Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play that makes him one of the most pivotal players in the team.

With only eight games to go, starting with Millwall on Saturday, Leeds need to get a run of momentum going. They sit third, a point behind Sheffield United and four behind Norwich.

Proving to be the difference is something Roofe has done all season. Leeds need that right now.