Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is coy over what might happen with Stuart Dallas, but termed the Northern Ireland international a club legend.
The midfielder has been troubled by injury issues and it is almost two years since he last played for Leeds.
Dallas suffered a femoral fracture while in action for Leeds against Manchester City in the Premier League and is continuing to nurse himself back to fitness.
The Northern Irishman, whose contract at Leeds expires at the end of the season, is hoping to be in a position to play before the end of the campaign.
It has been suggested that Leeds are unlikely to hand Dallas a new contract, but Farke is coy on the situation.
The Leeds boss insists that Dallas must be given all the time he needs to recover and then the club will assess the situation.
Farke told a press conference: “He’s a Leeds legend. He gets all the time he needs for his recovery.
“I’d love to have him fit. But it’s a long term injury and we have to be respectful.
“There’s no time pressure. We’ll see what the outcome is.”
Dallas played a key role in helping Leeds win promotion to the Premier League in 2020 as he clocked appearances in 45 of the Whites’ 46 Championship games.
