Aitor plans Leko return next month

AITOR Karanka is hoping Jonathan Leko will be back from his long-term injury next month.

Birmingham City’s new signing has not played since December 2019 having joined from West Brom as he nears the end of his knee ligament rehabilitation.

The 21-year-old (pictured) sustained the injury on loan with Charlton midway through last season and Karanka thinks he could now be numbering his return in weeks rather than months.

“I think he will have another three or four weeks at least before he joins the group,” Karanka said.

“If we can go one week earlier then perfect, but if we can’t it is not a problem because one or two weeks in seven months is not important.

“He is an exciting prospect and a nice kid. He looked shy when I spoke with him the first time but when you know him you can feel that he is not shy.

“I think he is going to be good for the atmosphere in the changing room.”

If his loan spell with the Addicks is anything to go by the attacker will also be good for the team, having impressed during his time at The Valley. He played 21 matches and scored five goals whilst operating either on the right wing or as a second striker. Karanka has previously referred to the England Under 20 player as an option through the middle.

The head coach is also looking forward to working with Josh McEachran, though he did not give a time-frame on the midfielder’s return. McEachran also suffered ACL damage last season, in the FA Cup game with Coventry City in February, and has been working his way back to fitness.

“He hasn’t trained with the team,” Karanka continued.

“He is a player I would like to have with us because I know how well he did at Middlesbrough and well he did at Brentford. I hope he can reach this level again and if he can he will help us for sure.” McEachran is in his second season at Blues having joined them as a free agent, midway through last term.

The former Chelsea youngster never really established himself in the side under Pep Clotet but did play ten matches.