Daniel Farke has told Tuesday’s press conference – as per the club’s YouTube – that Leeds United man Leo Hjelde is available for selection again after returning from international duty with an achilles injury.
Hjelde, 20, played a game and a half during the break for Norway’s U21 side – with 90 minutes coming against Italy in Norway’s second October fixture. He returned with an issue last week, at Elland Road.
The ex-Celtic man started on the left side of defence in the opening game of the season, but he was subbed off at half-time. He has not played in the league since, not making the squad since September.
Ahead of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Norwich, Farke said he was a question mark for the trip to Carrow Road. But now, the Leeds boss – ahead of Stoke on Wednesday – said that Hjelde is available to play.
“Improved with Leo. He’s ready to go. All the lads came through Saturday. We have our injuries with Dallas and Spence, but other than that, everyone is in team training,” Farke said, as per Leeds’ YouTube.
Farke: Leeds man Hjelde available again after achilles injury
He might be fit again but the chances are that Hjelde will not be involved against Stoke. Even Charlie Cresswell is struggling to get into the squad at the moment, with Liam Cooper picked ahead of him.
Sam Byram is first choice on the left flank and Jamie Shackleton is on the bench. Djed Spence, Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas – all of which are able to play at full-back – are closing in on a return from injury.
So, even if Hjelde is fit, it is unlikely he makes the matchday squad in the near future and it might be that he is seen playing for the 21’s ahead of a possible exit in January. Perhaps, leaving the club on loan.
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