Leeds United have confirmed that Gaetano Berardi is likely to be out for around four months.
Leeds’ start to the season may have seemed remarkable because of how quickly the squad have brought into Marcelo Bielsa’s ideas, but it is also extremely impressive due to the number of injuries the Whites have already had to deal with.
The likes of Kemar Roofe, Pablo Hernandez and Barry Douglas have returned from several weeks on the sidelines already this term, while Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Izzy Brown are seemingly not going to feature until 2019.
And those with long-term injuries have now been joined by Gaetano Berardi, with Leeds announcing on their official website that the Swiss is set to be out for 16 weeks.
The news has understandably been met by a lot of disappointment amongst the Elland Road faithful. Not only has Berardi been a key player under Bielsa when he has been fit, but his absence leaves Leeds with a major problem.
Without the cult-hero, Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper will have to shoulder the burden at the heart of the defence. If either picks up an injury or is suspended, Bielsa will have to deploy someone out of position or call up one of the under-23s.
Several Leeds fans are now imploring the club to spend some money in January. The Whites have now had several warnings, and not adding to their options during the winter window would be a massive risk.
Leeds have seen in the last two years how harmful not strengthening sufficiently in January can be to the club’s promotion hopes. And the latest blow surrounding Berardi has left the supporters more convinced than ever that a quiet window cannot be an option.
Here is the best of the reaction to the news surrounding the versatile defender…
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