Injuries have plagued Leeds United over the course of the season, yet they still remain in a fantastic position in the race for automatic promotion.  

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has been unable to call on his ‘best’ starting XI yet this season, with that personnel still not available to him tonight, when the Whites face Swansea City.

Amongst those absent is Gaetano Berardi, who has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury back in October.

It’s been a long road to recovery for Berardi, but Bielsa’s quotes to Leeds Live recently suggest there’s light at the end of the tunnel: "He will play the next under 23s game and if everything goes well this weekend, he will also play the next under-23s game on Monday.” 

So, it seems two under-23 outings are all that’s standing between Berardi, which will leave the 30-year-old delighted.

It’s been a long four months for Berardi, who isn’t the type of character that will enjoy watching his teammates battle for promotion.

Since arriving at Leeds, Berardi has become a firm favourite, not for his ability, but for the passion he shows and his commitment to do his very best for the club.

Whilst that has taken him to where he is now, Berardi will also recognise the uphill battle he faces if he’s to break back into Bielsa’s starting line-up.

Of course, Berardi started the season alongside Liam Cooper at centre-back, with the pair impressing. However, Pontus Jansson is in great form now, with that duo likely to continue even when Berardi returns.

Berardi could come in at right-back, but Bielsa’s recent praise for the struggling Luke Ayling also suggests he will retain his place.

The versatility of Berardi means that chances will come his way and he will have some role to play, but it might not be the same one he was featuring in before his setback.

Leeds have overcome serious injury troubles this season, as has Berardi, but like the player, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel now, which might mean his role is within the squad, rather than the starting line-up.