In spite of back to back defeats against Hull City and Nottingham Forest, Leeds United have retained the top of the table spot under Marcelo Bielsa’s tutelage. But the evergrowing injury concern is alarming for the Whites with almost half a season left, and the shallowness of the squad might haunt them during the decisive games unless reinforcements are made this month while the winter window is open.
Bielsa, the Elland Road boss, has recently opened up on his transfer plans and is more lenient now on sanctioning new deals even though he insisted there’s ‘no need’ of January inclusions when asked a month back.
“If players come, it will be better. And if nobody comes we will finish the season with the players we have and we trust all of the players we have. From what I know the position of the club is if we bring a player in, it has to be a player that improves the group.”
The gaffer made the above statement during Friday’s press conference (via Leeds Live) prior to their FA Cup Third Round tie against Queens Park Rangers.
He also highlighted the departure of Samuel Saiz as well as the injury blow of custodian Jamal Blackman suggesting the possibility of adding two alternatives in the upcoming weeks. Pablo Hernandez has been forced to feature in a central playmaking role to replace his fellow countryman who has joined Getafe on loan. Young Jack Harrison is being deployed down the right wing, but he has not been convincing enough despite a run of games of late.
Leeds, meanwhile, are heavily reliant on 22-year-old Bailey Peacock-Farrell in goal with Blackman ruled out for the rest of the season. Kamil Miazek and Will Huffer, the other two academy starlets, are too young to step up for the first team and the manager, therefore, must acquire a veteran for the remainder of the season.
The likes of Tom Heaton, Marcus Bettinelli and Karl Darlow have been second fiddle to Joe Hart, Sergio Rico and Martin Dúbravka at Burnley, Fulham and Newcastle United respectively. But they are experienced enough to step up for Leeds and could also be keen on securing a switch for regular football.
An efficient wide forward to fit in Bielsa’s set-up would be difficult to rope in midway through the campaign. Victor Orta, their Director of football, must be eyeing for options which would enhance the quality of the current squad. But the emergence of teenager Jack Clarke should also be considered following a series of inspiring outings in the recent fixtures.
Versatile Izzy Brown is also closing in on regaining full fitness in the aftermath of a long injury layoff and might turn out to be the missing piece of the jigsaw if handed minutes to meet the season objective of securing a long-pending Premier League return.
