The January window may not be open for the best part of three months but Leeds United already need to be thinking about how they will approach it.
Leeds brought in eight new signings over the summer but already have a squad that is looking a little light due to their current injury crisis.
Daniel Farke has been forced to name a trio of youngsters in James Debayo, Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers on the bench in each of the last two matches, but given he hasn’t used them yet, clearly doesn’t quite trust them at this stage.
Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are both set to be out long-term, while Manor Solomon, Dan James and Max Wober have been struggling to shake off injuries for several weeks now.
Farke was criticised for his use of the bench in the recent 1-1 draw at Norwich City but there is no way he can go the rest of the season with the squad as light as it is.
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Farke stance on potential Joe Gelhardt Leeds exit
While much of the focus in January will be on potential incomings, any reinforcements in attack will likely require someone to leave.
Farke wanted another versatile number 10 with the capacity to play off the right in the summer and given his disappointment it did not get done, it would not be a surprise if it was an avenue they re-explored.
However, if one was to come in, it would push Joe Gelhardt even further down the pecking order at Elland Road. His last league start for Leeds came in August last year and even with both Solomon and James out, Farke has barely given him a chance.
Speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has shared an update on Gelhardt’s situation, suggesting Farke would be open to letting him leave on loan.
He said: “Yeah I definitely think he is going to be up for grabs. When you are at a club the size of Leeds, it’s a bit similar to the Man United situation, it’s not always easy to move players on because they feel they can do something and things to offer.
“Gelhardt is still pretty young, I think maybe a loan for him because he’s still got a lot of time on his deal. I think he will go, but a loan more likely at this point.”
What Farke has said about Gelhardt game time at Leeds
Farke was asked about the ‘magic‘ Gelhardt prior to last week’s trip to Sunderland amid Leeds’ current injury issues.
The Leeds boss insisted Gelhardt retains the full ‘trust’ of him and the coaching staff, and that he is ‘ready to go’ whenever he is called upon.
However, actions speak louder than words and it is clear by Gelhardt’s lack of game time over the last 14 months that Farke sees him someway down his pecking order.
He said: “I trust my whole squad. Joe Rothwell and Joe Gelhardt, it is important to trust the players and back these players. We are in a competitive environment where everyone is sharp and ready to go.”
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