Daniel Farke says either Joe Gelhardt or Mateo Joseph could get a chance on the bench for Leeds United’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.
The Whites are set to be without Ian Poveda for the next three matches after he received his first ever call-up to represent Colombia in friendlies against Venezuela and Mexico.
Poveda has been a consistent figure on Leeds’ bench in the last few months and so his absence could provide an opportunity to someone who hasn’t featured much recently.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke name checked both Gelhardt and Joseph as to players who deserve to be in the squad ahead of the weekend.
He said: “Anyone who was not in the squad before. Gelhardt if he is available. Joseph. Two players who deserve to be in the squad. Always the same, a chance for a different player when someone is out.”
Joseph and Gelhardt victim of strong Leeds attack
Gelhardt missed last weekend’s win over Middlesbrough due to an injury but Farke is expecting him to be fit after making a return to training.
Joseph, meanwhile, picked up an injury at the worst possible time after ‘quietly impressing’ Farke in pre-season training, and is yet to play a single minute this season.
Both are clearly talented young players but are the victim of Leeds boasting the best and deepest forward line in the entire division.
Leeds’ first choice front four Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter have all been on fire, while Willy Gnonto, Jaidon Anthony and Patrick Bamford represent very strong back-up options.
However, with a potential space opening up on the bench, they will be hoping for an opportunity from Farke on Saturday.
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