Key Points
- Mateo Joseph has shared a positive update on his recovery work after returning to Leeds United.
- The Leeds United forward posted images and videos of rehabilitation sessions in club training gear on Instagram.
- His caption said: “The small improvements of the last few weeks are starting to turn into major changes; we continue to build.”
- Joseph spent last season on loan at Mallorca in La Liga.
- He made 30 appearances for Mallorca and scored two goals during his spell in Spain.
- Reports say he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
- Leeds United’s medical staff were consulted before surgery, and the club aligned with Mallorca on the treatment plan.
- Joseph is expected to return to Leeds after his loan spell ends, with his recovery timeline still unclear.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) July 28, 2026 – Mateo Joseph has described the latest phase of his comeback work as a period of “big changes” after posting fresh images from rehabilitation in Leeds United training gear. As reported by the unnamed journalist at the source covering the story, the forward’s message came as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury sustained during his loan spell at Mallorca.
How did the injury happen?
As reported by the source covering the injury update, Joseph picked up the setback during training for Mallorca and later underwent surgery after further tests showed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. That injury ended his season and left his recovery timetable uncertain.
Why did Leeds United’s medical team speak to Mallorca?
According to Inside Futbol, Leeds United’s medical staff were consulted by Mallorca before the surgery decision was finalised, with both clubs agreeing that surgery was the best option for treatment.
The same report said Joseph had been a regular in La Liga before the injury, making 29 league appearances, scoring two goals and adding assists before he was sidelined.
What did Joseph post?
Joseph’s post was upbeat and focused on progress rather than setbacks. As reported in the source story, he wrote:
“The small improvements of the last few weeks are starting to turn into major changes; we continue to build.”
That wording suggests the striker is concentrating on steady rehabilitation rather than rushing his return.
Will Mateo Joseph return to Elland Road?
Reports indicate Joseph will return to Leeds United once his loan spell concludes, although the exact timing of his full recovery has not yet been set.
Inside Futbol said the forward remains under contract at Elland Road until 2028, while the injury means Leeds will need to monitor his progress closely before any firm football plans can be made.
What was his Mallorca spell like?
Joseph’s loan at Mallorca gave him regular top-flight minutes and valuable experience in La Liga. Sources say he made around 30 appearances across the campaign, scored two goals, and contributed further assists, underlining why his injury was a notable setback for both club and player.
When will Mateo Joseph play again?
For now, that remains unclear. The reports do not give a definitive return date, only that Joseph is expected to spend months recovering and rebuilding fitness before he can resume competitive football.
Joseph’s social media update offered the clearest sign yet that he is making steady progress after a difficult spell.
The forward, who returned to Leeds after his loan, shared gym work and rehabilitation images while wearing Leeds United kit, signalling that he is back in the club environment and focused on recovery.
His message about “small improvements” turning into “major changes” is typical of a player trying to stay patient during a long rehabilitation period.
It also reflects a positive mood after a major injury that could otherwise have cast doubt over his immediate future.
The injury itself was serious enough to require surgery, and reports say Leeds’ medical team were brought into discussions with Mallorca’s doctors before a final treatment plan was agreed.
That joint approach suggests both clubs wanted to ensure Joseph received the best possible care after the ACL tear.
Joseph had impressed during his spell in Spain before the setback. He was earning regular minutes in a competitive La Liga side and building a case for greater involvement either at Mallorca or on his return to Leeds.
The injury, however, has interrupted that momentum and pushed his immediate focus firmly onto rehabilitation.
For Leeds, the update is reassuring in one sense because it shows the striker is active and engaged in his recovery. But it also underlines how much work remains before he can return to competitive action, with no confirmed timeline yet for a comeback.