Forshaw’s season over as Leeds midfielder heads to US for hip op

Leeds United have announced that Adam Forshaw’s season is over following the decision to send the midfielder to the United States for surgery on a long-term hip injury.

Forshaw picked up the issue ahead of the current campaign in a friendly against Cagliari, but managed to play the Whites’ first six Championship games.

The 28-year-old was then out for matches against Barnsley and Derby County in September and played 45 minutes in the next tie away at Charlton, but has not featured since the end of September in any competition.

Leeds announced in a statement on the club’s official website that the decision to send Forshaw to the Steadman Clinic in Colorado came after all other alternatives had been discussed.

The statement added: “Adam will work with surgeon Dr Marc Philippon, known for performing joint preservation techniques utilising arthroscopic hip surgery to treat painful joint injury in high-level athletes who constantly use powerful hip rotation.

“Knowing that surgery was likely to end his season, Forshaw and the medical team at Leeds United have explored every possible alternative action to try and get the influential midfielder back to fitness to help his team mates as we approach the final stage of the campaign.

“Unfortunately all parties have now decided the time has come for Adam to go under the knife to allow him to return in time for pre-season.”

Leeds drew 1-1 with Brentford at Griffin Park on Tuesday, making it two wins in the Whites’ last 11 games to continue their slump since the turn of the year.

Brentford took the lead through Said Benrahma in the first half after the forward pounced on an error from goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.

 

 

 

Marcelo Bielsa‘s side equalised after 38 minutes through a rare Liam Cooper goal, with the result keeping Leeds in second in the Championship table.

Bielsa said after the match: “We defended well. It was difficult to attack for us, even though we attacked the whole match.

“The players left everything on the pitch. We controlled well their attackers. We managed the ball as well.

“This is not easy against one team like Brentford, who have good players and manage the ball well.”

Third-placed Fulham, a point behind, can move above Leeds with a win away at Millwall on Wednesday night, while West Brom can go six clear at the top with victory over Reading.