Leeds United manager Steve Evans has confirmed that defender Gaetano Berardi has returned to light training and the 53-year-old believes that the 27-year-old is close to making his comeback into the Whites’ side.
Berardi picked up an ankle injury in the Whites’ 0-0 draw against Charlton Athletic on 12th December 2015 at the Valley, where he had to be brought off in the dying minutes of the game.
The Swiss full-back has made 18 appearances for the Elland Road outfit this season, before he picked up the injury, assisting one goal.
Evans confirmed that the 27-year-old is running almost at full speed, while also twisting and turning in training, and he expects the defender to join the group in a few days.
The 53-year-old hailed Berardi as an incredibly fit young man and feels that his return will help the team.
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Speaking in an interview with the club’s official website, Evans said: "He is back on the grass with the medical team and is running almost at full speed, twisting and turning.
“I would expect Bera to be in the group certainly by halfway through the week.
“Then as soon as he trains for three or four days he won’t be far off – he’s an incredibly fit young man.
"Having every one of those big players back available again will help us."
The Whites currently sit in 16th position in the league table, and any hopes of making it to the playoff spots appear slim for Evans’ side.
