Jesse Marsch has dropped a promising update on the condition of Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling.

What's the latest?

In recent comments cited by Leeds Live, the 48-year-old Whites manager revealed that, despite the defender undergoing knee surgery towards the end of May - something that was expected to keep the 30-year-old out of action for up to four months - Ayling is well ahead of schedule in his recovery, with the Arsenal academy graduate looking likely to resume full training next month.

Regarding the 30-year-old's condition, Marsch said: "He won't be ready for the first match, but he's ahead of schedule, so there's a high possibility he can be training in August. I don't want to be too optimistic, but that's where we're at."

Marsch will be buzzing

While Ayling undoubtedly has a long way to go before he is deemed fit enough to make a return to first-team football, the fact that the 30-year-old appears to be well ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury is sure to have left Marsch buzzing.

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Indeed, while it is true that the American does have the options of both 20-year-old Cody Drameh and summer signing Rasmus Kristensen to fill in at right-back in the absence of Ayling, the defender's experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly come as a very welcome boost to the 48-year-old's backline upon his return.

And, while there is also an argument to be made that the former Bristol City man's best days are now behind him - something his average SofaScore match rating of 6.61 over 26 Premier League fixtures last season would appear to back up - it is nevertheless undeniable that greater competition for a starting spot at right-back will increase the performance levels of each player in the position next season.

As such, the fact that Ayling appears to be well ahead of his predicted end-of-September return is certainly fantastic news for all involved with Leeds - not least the defender himself.

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