Riyad Mahrez and Tyler Roberts react as out-on-loan Leeds star suffers blow

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Ian Poveda has suffered a frustrating injury blow on loan at Blackburn – and Tyler Roberts and Riyad Mahrez have sent the Leeds ace messages.

Poveda, 21, came into the game against Bristol City at the weekend off the back of a goal and an assist during a 3-1 win over Sheffield United.

It saw him win his fourth Championship start of the season against Bristol City – but the London-born ace was stretchered off just before half-time.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray confirmed after the match that Poveda has suffered ankle ligament damage. They are waiting for scans.

It is a real blow for the Leeds talent, who had just begun to found his feet – starting two games in a row for the first time this season.

On a personal level for Poveda, having only played 20 times for Leeds since joining the club – he will be gutted to have suffered the injury at that time.

Poveda injury: Mahrez and Roberts send Leeds star Instagram messages

With Leeds signing Dan James in the summer, it is tricky to see if Poveda has a chance of returning to the club. Helder Costa is still on the books.

If Poveda does return to Leeds next summer, he might not even be fifth choice on current form. Raphinha, Harrison, James and even Costa.

Stuart McKinstry made his debut on the weekend, while Crysencio Summerville has also got a chance here and there.

Poveda will have been delighted to have got a goal and an assist – and will have hoped it was the start of a run of form that catches Bielsa’s eye.

Instead, the likelihood is that he will be out until the new year. Roberts sent a touching message to him, while Mahrez wished him a “speedy recovery”.