Kisnorbo out for the Season

Patrick Kisnorbo has been ruled out for the rest of the season after conceding that he is unlikely to recover from injury in time to play. Kisnorbo is still to resume full training almost 12 months after rupturing an Achilles tendon and United manager Simon Grayson does not expect to see him return ahead of Leeds’ final league game against Queens Park Rangers on May 7.
The Australian international has undergone a long period of rehabilitation since he suffered the injury in a League One fixture against Millwall last March, and Leeds sent him to America for specialist treatment before Christmas amid concerns about the speed of his recovery.

Chairman Ken Bates subsequently stated that United believed they had “cracked” Kisnorbo’s problem, expressing hope that last season’s player of the year would be available for the Championship run in. However, yesterday Grayson all but dismissed the possibility of fielding him in the weeks ahead.

“He’s doing his rehab and a bit of running here and there,” said Grayson. “But at the back of our minds we’ve ruled him out for the rest of the season.

“That’s not to say that he won’t get back, but we don’t want to rush him.

“It would be a bonus for us if he plays any football. He’s been out for so long that you get complications along the way if you’re not careful, or if you rush him back. For the sake of a few weeks, you might as well leave it.”

Confirmation of Kisnorbo’s condition raises fresh doubts about his future, with the centre-back’s contract at Elland Road due to expire in June.

Grayson previously promised that the club would address Kisnorbo’s deal when the 29-year-old regained full fitness, but discussions over an extension are unlikely to take place until the summer.