Joe Gelhardt has endured a difficult season at Leeds United so far and it has just got a whole lot worse, with Daniel Farke confirming in Wednesday’s press conference he may need surgery on a hand injury.
The 21-year-old has been left out of our matchday squad in the last three games. Patrick Bamford is now fit and warming the bench behind Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter. Mateo Joseph is also struggling.
It comes after playing in each of our first four League games, even starting against Birmingham and West Brom. Since a late outing in the 3-0 win over Millwall, Gelhardt has failed to play a single minute.
His season is going from bad to worse. Gelhardt, who spent the second half of last season out on loan at Sunderland, has picked up a hand injury in training – confirmed by Farke, as per the club’s YouTube.
“Bad news for Joe Gelhardt, a hand fracture in training. We are awaiting further assessment. Will miss at least a couple of weeks. He might need surgery, further assessment. Will happen in the next few days.”
Daniel Farke: Leeds striker Joe Gelhardt may need hand surgery
Gelhardt is a wonderful talent but he needs the platform to show that, with his confidence likely to be dwindling. A return to the 21’s is hardly what he needs. Gelhardt needs to go out on loan in January.
Perhaps, a move to another Championship club until the end of the season. But, that is something we must now be careful with. Strengthening a direct rival could prove detrimental to Leeds in the long run.
But he does need a move and perhaps, joining a club that are a step away from the play-offs would be ideal. Gelhardt looks set to miss both games before the November break, starting at Leicester on Friday.
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