Leeds United journalist Phil Hay has shared an update regarding Luke Ayling and his injury situation.

What's the news?

In a recent Twitter post, relaying information that Leeds manager Jesse Marsch shared after seeing his side beat Blackpool 4-0 in their first preseason game of the summer, Hay had this to say.

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He said: "Ayling was here tonight. He's ahead of schedule but will miss the very start of the season and is on course to start training again next month. #lufc"

Back in May, the defender had surgery on a knee issue that he originally felt last year in a game against Newcastle United.

Great news for Leeds fans

It was originally reported that the Englishman was set to return to training at some time in the autumn, however, with this latest update saying he will be able to start training next month, this will be a big boost for the club and the player.

Last season saw the 29-year-old show in the 26 Premier League appearances he made just how valuable he is to the Whites.

In terms of his defensive work, Ayling won 45 tackles and made 49 blocks, 54 interceptions and 68 clearances in total.

Even though Leeds only saw Norwich City (84) concede more goals in the league last season than them (79), it's safe to say that had they not had Ayling in the team for the majority of their games, they could well have been relegated by the end of the campaign.

From an attacking point of view, the Englishman showed how useful he can be. In addition to scoring two goals and delivering two assists, the full-back also delivered 25 crosses and made more dribbles (41) than any other defender in the squad.

This shows just how important he was for the team last season and why he'll be a significant figure for Marsch and the club going forward.

Moving forward, if the veteran can stay on course to make an earlier than anticipated return to action, this will surely be great news for Leeds fans and give them hope that their side won't concede as many goals in their upcoming campaign as they did last time out.

AND in other news: Marsch drops big behind-the-scenes transfer claim, Leeds supporters will be gutted