Leeds United have now been handed a more definitive return date for their talismanic figure Stuart Dallas…

What’s the latest?

Having suffered a devastating broken leg at the back end of last season, this freak injury against Manchester City came years after his equally unfortunate fractured foot from 2019.

However, as per injury specialist Ben Dinnery, his return could be sooner than expected now.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“The end of December, maybe coming into early 2023 is realistic for a Dallas return.

“It could be that he makes some appearances for the U21 side first, to try and transition from training into eventually moving back into the first team.”

He is Marsch’s “ironman”

Before his injury, the Northern Irishman had appeared in every single one of their Premier League games, highlighting his importance to both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.

Even though he did not have the time to play many games under the American, it was clear that his presence impacted him greatly as he took every opportunity to praise him.

In his press conference following the incident, he said: “

We all know Stuart is such a big part of the group. He’s such a fantastic person and player. I think he had the current ongoing record for most consecutive matches so he’s also an ‘ironman’.

“It’s motivation for us but, more importantly, I think it’s an indicator for the fact that Stuart will be back stronger than ever.”

Since signing in 2015, the 31-year-old has become an integral part of the Yorkshire outfit, helping return them to the top flight after years of wallowing in the Championship.

He has featured 267 times at Elland Road, with the £53k-per-week dynamo boasting a workmanlike attitude that could often see his efforts underappreciated.

But with 1.7 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game last season, he is more than just an impressive leader in the changing rooms, via Sofascore.

His return will be a welcome boost to a side that seems to have found its goalscoring touch but could do with some added security.

Dallas could provide just that, with the return of such an influential and steely figure sure to boost the whole squad.