David Prutton has told Marcelo Bielsa in a column for the Yorkshire Evening Post to unleash Joe Gelhardt in the Leeds United first-team while Patrick Bamford is recovering from injury.
Bamford has missed the Elland Road outfit’s last five Premier League fixtures with an ankle injury. He sustained the issue against Newcastle United on September 17, and will remain sidelined for the foreseeable.
Bielsa confirmed on Friday that Leeds have not been able to put a timescale on Bamford’s return from injury. Ruling the 28-year-old out of Leicester City’s visit to West Yorkshire on Sunday, prior to the international break.
Bielsa has utilised Rodrigo, Jack Harrison and Daniel James in a centre-forward role at times as he searches for goals. But the trio have not produced entirely convincing performances.
Yet Gelhardt has only featured for 98-minutes over four outings from the bench across all competitions so far this season.
Prutton feels Bielsa must afford Gelhardt more chances while Leeds wait on Bamford’s return. The 19-year-old has not scored in his outings, but Prutton expects goals will follow.
“He should get more minutes, absolutely,” Prutton wrote. “He is a younger player and the path he has taken to get to that team is a bit different. But Leeds have got to chuck him in and trust him at some point.
“A player such as him needs a run of games, as any player does and as we saw with Patrick. Patrick was persevered with by Marcelo and look what a player he has turned into for Leeds.
“Gelhardt is obviously a lot farther back in his journey. But he seems to be robust enough to play in the Premier League, and goals will come.”
Should Gelhardt fill Bielsa’s Bamford void when Leicester visit Leeds?
Bamford’s ongoing absence through injury is a big miss for Bielsa as he is vital to how Leeds play. Offering the Whites a focal point in their attack and problems for opposing defences.
Gelhardt would have big shoes to fill if Bielsa adheres to Prutton’s suggestion when Leeds host Leicester. But the former Wigan Athletic prospect has shown potential in his outings.
Particularly against Wolves, when the 5 ft 10 talent came off the bench and offered a lively presence. He also won the penalty that Rodrigo converted, and came close to scoring but for a solid Jose Sa save.
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