Last Updated: Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:10
Fabian Delph has been sent back to Aston Villa by Leeds with an ankle injury which looks to have cut short his time in Yorkshire.
The 20-year-old returned to Elland Road at the end of January and has since gone on to play for Leeds in five Championship matches, helping them keep their hopes of a play-off spot alive.
However, Delph missed out on Saturday's win over Doncaster after picking up an ankle injury which is thought serious enough for Leeds to have sent him back to Villa for scans.
Delph was expected back at Villa Park after Saturday's game with Portsmouth but unless he makes a quicker than expected recovery could stay in the midlands rather than return to Leeds.
Leeds caretaker-manager Neil Redfearn told the club's official website: "Fab will be out for Saturday. He's gone back to Villa to be assessed, but he's being monitored and we're hoping it will be a case of days.
"Fab's a good player. Against Bristol City and Brighton I thought he played well. He's a big influence and he'll be a big loss."
With Neil Warnock now in charge at Leeds it remains to be seen whether the new manager will try to bring Delph back again or turn to other fresh faces.
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