Hadi Sacko already facing defining game of Leeds spell if handed surprise start against Burnley

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Hadi Sacko looks to already be facing an uphill battle trying to get back into the Leeds United squad despite only joining on a permanent basis in the summer.

When Hadi Sacko returned to Leeds on a permanent basis in the summer, there appeared to be something of a divide amongst the supporters about whether it was a good or bad decision to re-sign the Frenchman.

At times, Sacko could be unplayable during his loan spell at Elland Road last season, but inconsistency and indecision meant that news of the permanent deal was met with a fair amount of confusion.

And unfortunately for Sacko, it appears that he may already be facing a massive game for his Leeds career if he is given a rare chance when the Whites face Burnley in the third round of the League Cup in the coming days.

The 23-year-old has made just one substitute appearance for Leeds in the Championship this season, playing the final five minutes of the opening day win over Bolton at the Macron Stadium.

He followed that up by starting their League Cup first round tie with Port Vale at Elland Road, but was replaced shortly before the hour mark, and has not featured since.

What is perhaps even more worrying for the former Sporting Lisbon man is that he has not featured in a matchday squad since then either – seemingly confirming that he is right out of Thomas Christiansen’s plans currently.

Given that, and the fact that his most recent appearance came in the cup, it is surely fair to suggest that if Sacko is going to get another chance to prove himself without relying on a raft of injuries occurring first, it is going to come from the tie with the Clarets.

And if the winger is given that chance, his lack of minutes so far suggest that he cannot afford to not make the most of it as it could lead to an even more frustrating few months for the youngster. Luckily, facing a Premier League side presents the perfect opportunity for Sacko to fire himself right up the pecking order if he puts in an inspired display.