Caleb Ekuban opened his Championship account for Leeds on Friday.
It has been a tumultuous first season in English football for Leeds United striker Caleb Ekuban. A number of foot injuries and a chance in manager has somewhat affected his progression at Elland Road.
The 24-year-old, though, finally found the back of the net on Friday afternoon against Bolton Wanderers in a 2-1 win at Elland Road with a well-placed strike in the fourth minute after good work from Pierre-Michel Lasogga.
But that was his only Championship goal of the season in 14 appearances, and his display on Good Friday posed more questions than answers over whether he is capable of starring at this level.
The Italian, who joined the club from Serie A side Chievo in the summer, missed a hatful of chances including numerous one-on-ones. It saw fans become frustrated with his prowess in front of goal despite his first league strike.
Ekuban has a chance to show fans and Paul Heckingbottom just what he can do against Fulham on Tuesday night, but it may well be his last chance for a while to do just that.
Kemar Roofe, who earns £6,000 a week at Elland Road according to the Daily Star, is set to return to training imminently, which could make him available against Sunderland on the weekend.
Unless Ekuban can restore faith among fans in his ability, Roofe is likely to return ahead of him in the pecking order.
With Tyler Roberts also returning from injury, Tuesday night against Slavisa Jokanovic’s in-form Fulham side could pose Ekuban’s final chance in the starting line-up to show he has what it takes to become a first-team regular.
Ekuban must add to his solitary goal, or he could find himself way down the pecking order with the summer transfer window less than three months away.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
