‘Back training’… Ben Parker suggests 21-year-old Leeds youngster could start against Rotherham

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Georginio Rutter could miss our trip to Rotherham United as Leeds United prepare to return after the break – and Ben Parker shares five ways to replace him, including a start for Joe Gelhardt.

Rutter has been sensational for Leeds, arguably our best player this term along with the likes of Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu and Cree Summerville. He has had a hand in eight goals for Leeds, this season.

But Rutter has returned from France U21 duty with an abdominal injury. Farke says that he is a “major doubt” for Friday’s clash, as we prepare for a trip to a struggling Rotherham, who are without a manager.

Ex-Leeds defender Parker was asked about Rutter’s injury on LS11 and said that while it will be a big loss to be without Rutter – it is not like last season, where Leeds had little option to replace starting players.

He thinks one option could be to bring Joe Gelhardt into the side, with the 21-year-old striker back in training after he picked up a hand injury. Patrick Bamford could also replace Rutter on Friday night.

“It is a big miss. Bamford can come in, Gnonto – got a few goals for the Italy 21’s. We’ve got options. Joffy is back training, Mateo Joseph scored for England’s U20’s. We’ve got loads of options,” he said.

“Rutter will be a miss but Piroe can go as a 9 and bring someone in as a 10. It’s not like last year where we were scraping the barrel. Georginio has been excellent but it’s an opportunity for someone.”

Ben Parker shares five ways Leeds can replace Georginio Rutter

The likelihood is that Farke will bring Bamford into the starting line-up for the first time this season. It means Piroe remains as a 10, and players are not changed from the positions that they are playing in.

Gnonto has played up top, but if he came in, it would require a reshuffle. Summerville into the 10 role, Piroe up top. Too much change. Joseph and Gelhardt are good options, but perhaps not starting ones.

It will be interesting to see which way Farke goes, with Rutter of course still having a chance of making the team come Friday night. A late call is expected to be made on the club’s record signing this week.