Leeds United have confirmed that summer loanee Djed Spence will spend the next eight weeks in the treatment room after picking up a knee injury in training.
The 23-year-old was on the wrong end of a training ground tackle that damaged his lateral collateral ligament, with the defender now staring down a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Although Leeds have confirmed that the injury problem will not require surgery, the supporters will have to wait until the back end of the year to see their new star man in action again.
Spence joined Leeds on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window, with Daniel Farke keen to reinforce his backline ahead of the campaign.
The England under-21 international made his debut for the Yorkshire club in the goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the month and caught the eye with his exceptional cameo.
Despite being introduced in the 81st minute, Spence contributed to Leeds’ clean sheet with a blocked shot and a tackle – although he lost possession four times.
The Englishman was also imperious in his ground battles and refused to be beaten, winning five of his six duels while completing two of his three attempted dribbles.
Spence left the Leeds fans with plenty to be excited about, but his latest setback will come as a blow to the player and his manager.
The injury saw him sit out the trip to East London, where Farke’s side picked up an emphatic 3-0 victory over Millwall courtesy of a brace from Joel Piroe and an 81st-minute strike from Georginio Rutter.
Farke will have to rely on other options at right back, with Luke Ayling set to retain his spot, having started each of Leeds’ Championship fixtures on the right side of the defence this season.
Summer acquisition Sam Byram will act as a backup to Ayling despite predominantly featuring on the opposite flank since returning to Elland Road.
