Leeds United are anxious to ensure Adam Forshaw does not have an operation to solve his current injury issue, according to The Athletic's Phil Hay.

The central midfielder has been absent since September and is understood to be suffering from a hip injury.

Marcelo Bielsa has repeatedly indicated that the club are unable to provide a return date for the 28-year-old, who was a key part of the side in the early part of the season.

Forshaw started the Whites' first six Championship games but has played just 45 minutes of football since August and has been sidelined for the last four months.

His continued absence has been particularly troubling recently as Kalvin Phillips is serving a three-match suspension after he was shown a straight red card for an ugly challenge in the 1-0 loss to QPR and Forshaw is the natural replacement.

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay has provided an update on Forshaw's fitness and revealed Leeds' stance on the midfielder.

He said: "It's the same story with him. Just trying to get over the final hurdles with this injury.

"Leeds seem anxious to avoid an operation and to prevent him missing the rest of the season but he's already missed a big chunk."

After their 3-2 win against Millwall last night, the Whites are top of the Championship–two points clear of second-place West Bromwich Albion.

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The Verdict

Forshaw has been missing for more than four months now and you can understand if there is frustration amongst fans of the club because there has not been much explanation.

Hay's update reveals he is in the final stages of his recovery, though it is tough to know exactly what that means about his return.

The Whites signed a goalkeeper, a winger and a striker in the January transfer window but no support in the centre of the park.

With that in mind, Leeds will want Forshaw back as soon as possible to help them push on in the second half of the season and secure promotion.