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Leeds United full-back Gaetano Berardi admits he’ll find it hard to get back in starting XI

Jordan Mustoe of Accrington Stanley with Gaetano Berardi of Leeds United (Reuters)
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The Swiss international has lost his place to Luke Ayling since picking up an injury.

Jordan Mustoe of Accrington Stanley with Gaetano Berardi of Leeds UnitedJordan Mustoe of Accrington Stanley with Gaetano Berardi of Leeds United

Leeds United full-back Gaetano Berardi has admitted he will be struggling to walk straight back into the first-team at Elland Road now he has recovered from his latest injury problems.

The Swiss international picked up an injury just 22 minutes into the first game of the season against QPR.

Since then Leeds United moved to bring in a new right-back in Luke Ayling from Bristol City. Lewie Coyle also continues to look a talented option in defence for the club. Meanwhile, at left-back, Charlie Taylor remains the number one choice whilst Tyler Denton made something of a breakthrough earlier in the campaign.

Luke Ayling of Leeds United looks dejected at the end of the gameLuke Ayling of Leeds United looks dejected at the end of the game

It leaves Berardi scrapping for a place in the starting XI and the Swiss admitted to the official Leeds United website that he would be struggling for an immediate start:

“The team has been doing well and it will be hard for me to go straight into the starting eleven.

“Like everybody else, I have to work hard every day. But that is what I will do.

“We have some good players at full-back and we have to battle with each other every day in training. The competition is good for the team – for myself and for the other players.”

Burnley's Andre Gray and Leeds United's Gaetano Berardi in actionBurnley’s Andre Gray and Leeds United’s Gaetano Berardi in action

Berardi was one of Leeds’ best players last season with injury being his biggest concern throughout the campaign.

He gives Leeds boss Garry Monk plenty of versatility and he is well-known for his hard work – so will undoubtedly be a good addition to the Leeds ranks again.

Whether he will be an immediate starter or not remains to be seen.