How Long Before Roma Star Artem Dovbyk Is Back From Thigh Surgery As Leeds Circle
Leeds still want to sign Artem Dovbyk in the summer.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 20 January 2026
Roma striker Artem Dovbyk has returned to Italy after having surgery in Finland, as speculation grows about Leeds United interest.
Speculation linking Dovbyk and Leeds has intensified in recent days, with the English Premier League outfit keen on the Ukraine international.
Roma had made Dovbyk available for transfer this month, but a thigh injury has put an end to talk of a January move.
That said, Leeds are reportedly still eyeing a move for the Giallorossi ace at the end of the season.
Artem Dovbyk set for two to three months on sidelines amid Leeds interest
Artem Dovbyk underwent surgery in Finland to completely eliminate the tendon problem he suffered against Lecce.
After attempting conservative therapy, both player and club opted to go under the knife.
Tuttomercatoweb claim Dovbyk will be out for two months, while Romapress say he faces ‘approximately three months of rehabilitation’.
The latter outlet claims that, if all goes well, he could be available for the match against Inter on April 4.
This would give Dovbyk a chance to be ready for the potential Europa League quarter-finals.
Why Leeds still want Artem Dovbyk
Although Leeds wanted to bring in Dovbyk this month, the Whites are reportedly happy to renew their interest at the end of the season.
The 2023/24 La Liga Golden Boot winner will likely be on the radar of a number of European clubs when he returns to full fitness.
Leeds look likely to retain their top-flight status come the end of the season, making them a suitable destination for Dovbyk.
Much of that is owing to the club’s and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s recent career revival.
The former Everton striker has scored eight goals in his last nine Premier League appearances.
Now, Leeds head coach Daniel Farke wants to pair him alongside Dovbyk next term.
As for Roma, they were looking to offload Dovbyk this month and, while this won’t happen now, they could review their position in summer.
Artem Dovbyk breaks silence after Italy return
Dovbyk has returned to Rome, with video from Calciomercato.it showing him arriving and being greeted by several journalists.
He answered, “I’m fine” when asked about his fitness.
🔴Artem #Dovbyk è rientrato a #Roma dopo l’operazione alla coscia sinistra a cui si è sottoposto in Finlandia col professor Lempainen🇫🇮
👌“I’m ok” ha risposto ai giornalisti mentre saliva in macchina con le stampelle#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/b1sn81eR2h— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) January 20, 2026
As frustrating as it is for all of the parties, health and fitness are now the priority for Dovbyk as the road to recovery beckons.
Dovbyk is an incredibly talented player, so he’s likely to have plenty of suitors after him this summer once he’s available again.
Everton are also eyeing Dovbyk, and the fact both clubs are owned by The Friedkin Group adds an intriguing twist.
Serie A trio AC Milan, Napoli and Como apparently also like the Ukraine international.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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