Bakke out for season

Bakke had struggled with injuries throughout last season

Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke has been ruled out of the entire season with cruciate ligament damage.

The Norwegian international picked up the injury in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Swedish part-time side Pitea, which the club won 1-0.

"This is a massive blow for both Eirik and the club," manager Kevin Blackwell told the club's official website.

"He had bad luck with injuries last season and was hoping to have a major influence this time around."

Bakke suffered a combination of ankle and knee problems last season and made just 15 appearances.

The injury blow comes just three weeks before Leeds season-opening game in the Championship.