It was widely expected that Joe Gelhardt would start on Sunday as Leeds United played host to Cardiff City – given Daniel Farke had ruled Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph and Georginio Rutter out with injury. But he was left waiting.
Instead, Gelhardt had to make do with coming on in the 82nd minute. He offered little as Leeds came from two-nil down to secure a point. Liam Cooper and Crysencio Summerville scoring the goals, in Gelhardt’s 42nd Leeds game.
But it will have come as a blow for Joffy. Even though Leeds were without Bamford, Rutter and Joseph, the attacker still failed to start. Now of course, Gelhardt seems himself more of a no.10 – but he is unlikely to get a chance there.
Crysencio Summerville, Sam Greenwood and others will be preferred – as will a new signing should one be made in the coming weeks. Similarly, Leeds could bring in a new striker. So – Gelhardt must now be questioning his future.
Joe Gelhardt surely considering Leeds future after Daniel Farke blow
To have failed to start – when three players above or level with you in the pecking order, all in your position, are not available – is a real blow. Clearly, Farke’s snub is a sign that he does not fancy the ex-Wigan man up top at Leeds.
Gelhardt has a contract at Elland Road until June 2027 and without doubt, there is a player there. But perhaps, he just needs to regain his confidence. A Championship loan could be key – once labelled “magic” by Alan Shearer.
There is of course, a chance the £1m man can show Farke that he made a mistake – if the German gaffer starts him against Shrewsbury Town in the Cup this week. He is likely to start. But he needs to show he is capable of doing.
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