Joe Gelhardt almost returned to the Leeds United side with a bang last night when his late shot hit the post, almost saving Leeds having to go into extra-time. But he will have been disappointed.
The 21-year-old came on with about 20 minutes left to play. Just his second outing for Leeds since back in September – the other being a late sub display in the 1-1 draw with Coventry. He played on the right.
It comes after Daniel Farke decided to rest Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford, or at least, put them on the bench. With Joel Piroe in the 10, he decided to start Mateo Joseph up front, over Gelhardt.
Firmly confirming that Gelhardt is his fifth-choice striker. Behind Piroe, Bamford, Rutter and Joseph. The fact he brought him on, on the right wing is a clear indication that he does not fancy him as a striker.
Gelhardt was once described as “magic” by Alan Shearer after his assist against Brighton in the Premier League, for Pascal Struijk to score a late equaliser. Since, he has struggled to add to that upward curve.
Joe Gelhardt will be wishing he left Leeds in January now
Farke clearly prefers Joseph to Gelhardt and that puts Joffy way down the pecking order. With Villa or Chelsea next in The FA Cup, it is unlikely Gelhardt gets a run out before the end of the season, perhaps.
He will surely be wishing he left in January. He had interest. Blackburn, Hull and Preston were keen – while he was been linked with Celtic and Rangers. Graeme Bailey told us he could return to Wigan.
After last night’s decision from Farke to play Joseph over him, he will surely be wishing he had at least gone on loan to get some game time. As things stand, he may have to play for the 21’s to get minutes.
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