Soccer Football - Carabao Cup First Round - Salford City v Leeds United - The Peninsula Stadium, Salford, Britain - August 13, 2019 Leeds United's Gaetano Berardi celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images/Jason Cairnduff/Files
(Reuters): Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi faces up to nine months on the sidelines after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during Sunday's 3-1 win at Derby County, the Championship (second-tier) club have said.
The 31-year-old Switzerland international, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was withdrawn shortly after the half-hour mark at Pride Park and underwent scans on Monday.
Berardi made 25 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa's side this season, helping them secure a return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
Leeds, who were confirmed as champions last week, will face Charlton Athletic in their final game of the season on Wednesday.
