Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that defender Luke Ayling is very close to returning to first-team action.

The 28-year-old was an important player for Leeds in the Championship last season, but has missed the start of the current campaign after undoing ankle surgery this summer.

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The right-back returned to action for Leeds' under-23 side this week and made an immediate impact, scoring during the  6-0 win over Watford at Elland Road on Monday night.

Bielsa has revealed that Ayling is set to play for the under-23s again against Hull City tomorrow, but he also admitted that the defender is close to returning for the first team.

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"He is going to play a few more minutes for the U23s, he is close to us again and he is really important to the team," Bielsa said, as quoted by the club's official Twitter account.

Leeds are currently top of the Championship table on goal difference after winning five of their opening seven league matches and will be looking to continue their momentum with another victory against Derby County at Elland Road on Saturday.

In Ayling's absence, Stuart Dallas has started every Championship game for Leeds at right-back and has impressed with his performances.

The Verdict

Ayling has been an important player for Leeds over the past few seasons and it'll be a major boost for the Whites when he's able to return to action for the first team.

He impressed for Leeds' reserve side the other night and will be determined to make an impact when he returns to first-team action.

However, Dallas has done an excellent job at right-back so far this season and is unlikely to be dropped from the team, so Alying may have to settle for a place on the bench when he does make his comeback.