Jack Clarke is back in training after he went down with illness in the dugout against Middlesbrough. Reports from Sky Sports earlier claimed that Leeds United were going to be cautious in bringing him back to the first team and Bielsa wasn’t going to rush him into the playing eleven quickly. However, the manager recently gave an update on the time frame of Clarke’s return and its definitely time to rejoice for the Whites’ fans.
In his recent press conference, the Argentine manager said (Leeds Live), ”He is well, he’s fit. He will play next week for the under-23s. Probably will be able after this game to be in the main group.”
The fact that the winger is going to play for the u-23 in the next few days is good news for the club. At one point it seemed like the West Yorkshire outfit might end up taking too much precaution, and Clarke could have missed a good chunk of the business end of the season.
However, he is expected to train with the first team stars soon, and that should bring him back in the reckoning to start in the first eleven. Clarke has had a breakthrough season as he put in some impressive displays. The youngster first went on to prove his worth in small cameos after coming off from the bench, and Bielsa later decided to start him in few games as well.
Such has been his influence that by the time he reached 18, almost all of the Premier League heavyweight clubs have been linked with him. Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool‘s name did the rounds in the last two months.
Therefore one doesn’t need to say much when clubs of these statures start roaming around like vultures for the youngster. However, there is no doubt in our mind that Clarke will progress best at Elland Road. At 18, he is already playing a major part in the first team for the Whites, and there is no way that he should look to leave West Yorkshire in the summer if United get promoted to the English top flight.
With the crunch phase of the season coming, United would need every bit of their squad depth. Clarke can change the game as his direct and attacking style of play can turn the game on its head. The Englishman isn’t afraid to take on defenders and he has the pace and skills to go past his man. This is definitely a big piece of news for the Whites as we can now see Clarke being back in the first team soon.
