Leeds skipper out for six weeks

Naylor has taken over as captain from the departed Frazer Richardson

Leeds United could be without captain Richard Naylor for their League One opener after he had a back operation.

The 32-year-old defender will certainly miss all Leeds' pre-season games.

Manager Simon Grayson told BBC Radio Leeds the club needed Naylor: "We need a mix of grit and determination, flair and imagination as well as creativity.

"We need Richard Naylor's experience, hunger and desire to succeed, mixed in with younger ones like Johnny Howson, Neil Kilkenny and Robert Snodgrass."

He added: "I am trying to bring players to the club and make the players already here the right set of players to get us out of this division."

Whatever Frazer Richardson does, he will be remembered fondly for his time at Leeds United

Simon Grayson

Naylor is expected to be out for six weeks after undergoing surgery in London on Wednesday.

The former Ipswich Town captain, who was Grayson's only permanent signing last season, took over the captaincy in January from Frazer Richardson, who has now left the club.

The 26-year-old, who was the club's longest-serving player, turned down a new deal at Elland Road where he was out-of-contract.

"It's football, and players move on," said Grayson. "We thank Frazer for what he has done for this club.

"He's been a fantastic servant - I'm disappointed that he has left but it was an amicable agreement.

"I didn't want to be left short and decided that Jason Crowe [from Northampton] would be a great replacement. And whatever Frazer does he will be remembered fondly for his time at Leeds United."

Richardson made just five appearances under Grayson.