LEEDS UNITED star Gaetano Berardi is facing nine months out after suffering an ACL tear.
The 31-year-old defender was stretchered off during the champions’ 3-1 win at Derby County on Sunday.
Leeds star Gaetano Berardi tore his ACL against Derby on SundayCredit: PA:Press Association
The Swiss defender, who is out of contract this month, has been ruled out for nine monthsCredit: Rex Features
The Swiss international underwent scans on the injury yesterday and now the club have confirmed the full extent of the damage to the soon-to-be out of contract ace.
A statement said: “Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi suffered an ACL tear in his knee during Sunday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Derby County.
“Berardi, who was replaced in the 33rd minute of the match at Pride Park, had scans today which confirmed the injury.
“The defender, who has made 25 appearances for the Whites during the campaign, now faces up to nine months on the sidelines.”
Berardi will become a free agent later this month and it is unclear whether he will get an extension to his deal at Elland Road.
The news puts a dampener on what has been a brilliant week for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
They were confirmed as champions last weekend after they ended a 16-year wait to return to the Premier League on Friday.
Leeds face Charlton Athletic in their final game of the season on Wednesday.
Clean-up begins after Leeds United fans pack the streets to celebrate their promotion into the Premier League
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
