Leeds United news: Whelan reacts to Edmondson injury blow

Noel Whelan has claimed that Leeds United youngster Ryan Edmondson is facing a huge psychological hurdle after his injury setback. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Elland Road striker suggested that the 19-year-old has suffered a “killer” blow after seeing his loan spell with Aberdeen cruelly cut short.

The forward was sent back to his parent club last week after suffering an ankle injury in training that is expected to keep him sidelined for up to four months.

Edmondson managed just 25 minutes of action for the Dons before picking up the complaint in training, and has since headed back to England for further assessment.

Whelan, who played for Aberdeen during his own career, has expressed his sympathy for the starlet.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “You’ve got a contrast of emotions for young Ryan, unfortunately.

“The excitement of getting some first team football, that action that he needed and the progression that he needed, and now the injury.

“He’d gone to a fantastic club, into a good league there where he was going to be coming up against some very good players, and this is your worst nightmare as a footballer, getting an injury so early in the season, and a lengthy one at that.

“Sometimes you can deal with a niggle that keeps you out for a week, a spell of three to four months is a real killer. Psychologically for him, this is going to be his biggest hurdle. Can he get over the disappointment?”

Edmondson made his debut for Aberdeen during the Scottish Premiership opening day defeat to Rangers earlier this month, coming on as a second-half substitute.

So far in his career, he has made two senior appearances for Leeds, but has yet to register a goal.

In other Leeds United news, ‘Massive’ – Whelan reacts after Whites agree terms on long-term contract.