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Leeds news: Luke Ayling announcement issued, it’s awful news for Thomas Christiansen
LEEDS UNITED defender Luke Ayling has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling has been ruled out for the rest of the season
The 26-year-old damaged his ankle in the New Year’s Day stalemate against Nottingham Forest.
Leeds head coach Thomas Christiansen initially believed Ayling’s injury was not too serious but assessments revealed that he needed to go under the knife.
Ayling had played every minute in the Championship this season and the blow leaves Christiansen short in the full-back department.
A statement from Leeds read: “Luke Ayling faces the rest of the season on the sidelines following surgery on an ankle injury sustained in our New Year’s Day game against Nottingham Forest.
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Luke Ayling faces the rest of the season on the sidelines following surgery on an ankle injury
“The 26-year-old right back, who signed a new long term deal with the Whites in the summer, has been an important part of Thomas Christiansen’s first eleven this season.
“We will keep supporters up to date with Luke’s recovery progress.”
Ayling said: “Not what any of us wanted... ankle wasn’t as good as we all first thought... now time to rest, recover and hopefully get back sooner then they think.. thank you all for your messages means a lot.”
Ayling signed a long-term contract extension in October after impressing Christiansen.
Luke Ayling had played every minute for Leeds this season
After putting pen to paper, he said: “Buzzing to have extended my stay at this great club.
“Hope I can help get this club back to where it belongs.”
Ayling joined Leeds from Bristol City in the summer transfer window of 2016 for a fee in the region of £750,000.