Marcelo Bielsa should unleash Under 23s prospect Charlie Cresswell in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, after Leeds United confirmed Luke Ayling will miss the clash with Fulham.
Injuries plus Pascal Struijk’s suspension had forced Marcelo Bielsa to field Ayling in central defence against Newcastle United last Friday. But the 30-year-old, and Patrick Bamford, have joined the Whites’ list of absentees ahead of the clash at Craven Cottage.
Bamford sustained an ankle issue at St James’ Park, while Ayling developed a knee injury during the 1-1 draw. Both are now rehabilitating at Thorp Arch to try and be in contention to face West Ham United on Saturday. But both will miss the midweek trip to west London.
Ayling’s absence leaves Bielsa with a depleted list of centre-backs to field when Leeds visit Fulham in the EFL Cup. The Argentine was already without Struijk through his suspension, plus Diego Llorente and Robin Koch with hamstring and pelvic issues.
Liam Cooper is the Whites’ only fit senior centre-halve remaining, while Kalvin Phillips can drop into the backline if needed. A lack of alternatives in midfield could see Bielsa elect to call on an academy talent in defence instead, though.
Cresswell is a likely option if Bielsa dips into the Whites’ academy in Ayling’s absence. The 19-year-old has built a prominent role in the U23s with opening roles in all five of their PL2 fixtures thus far this term and captained the side on three occasions.
Bielsa has also named Cresswell on the first-team bench for Leeds’ last four Premier League games. He additionally featured as an unused substitute during the second-round of the EFL Cup against Crewe Alexandra last month.
Bielsa should unleash Cresswell with Ayling missing for Leeds vs Fulham
Creswell made his senior Leeds debut in the second-round of the Carabao Cup against Hull City last season. But his 90-minute appearance at home to the Tigers remains his only first-team outing to date. Despite Bielsa naming him on the bench 12 times in all competitions.
Bielsa should now look to unleash Cresswell against Fulham on Tuesday night after Leeds confirmed Ayling’s absence through injury. Allowing the Argentine to keep Phillips in the midfield and not cause another tactical headache to solve his defensive problems.
Cresswell has proven with the Whites’ U23s that he can offer a suitable stand-in and is ready for first-team minutes. Mark Jackson’s side have only lost one of five PL2 fixtures this season and beat Liverpool’s U23s 4-0 on Sunday.
Jackson has also praised Cresswell’s displays and the leadership the Preston-born prospect offers Leeds’ young side. His performances have impressed so much that Jackson considers him a rare talent, noting via Leeds Live last month:
“It’s a dying breed in the modern game. I tried to be quite vocal myself when I was a player, nowhere near the ability of Charlie or the players in this group, but I tried to talk. Charlie’s got that, he understands how to lead and we’ve been working with him a long time.”
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