Daniel Farke was forced to name two goalkeepers on his bench in Leeds United’s defeat at Chelsea yesterday.
Farke was always going to rotate his side at Stamford Bridge with an early trip to Huddersfield Town at the back of his mind, though there were a couple of injury problems he had to deal with.
Both Georginio Rutter and Ilia Gruev were absent after feeling something in a training session on Tuesday, while Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford only made the bench after being doubtful.
Joe Gelhardt was another player who was supposed to be in the squad and potentially could’ve got some rare minutes just like in the last round victory away at Plymouth Argyle.
However, speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke has revealed that Gelhardt had to pull out of the squad really late due to some ‘back spasms’ that prevented him from being able to walk.
Farke sheds light on Gelhardt admission
He said: “In my plans until yesterday. Back spasm in training and could not climb in the coach, Happens once or twice a year and then he is out for two or three days.
“He trained today, but could not walk when we travelled. Saturday early kick-off and we are back in the early hours. Odds are against us, but we proved tonight we can fight those odds.”
Gelhardt has barely played this season but at the same time, has been so unlucky with the timing of some of the injuries he has picked up in recent months.
The 21-year-old was impressive in his cameo in the last round at Plymouth but has just not had a chance to build on that, and the more little injuries he picks up, the less likely he is to be able to build a rhythm.
Regardless of whether Leeds win promotion or not, this summer certainly represents a huge period in his career as he needs to find a place where he can go play regularly, either on loan or permanently.
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