Daniel Farke was obliged to name two goalkeepers on the bench in Leeds United’s defeat to Chelsea yesterday.
Farke was always going to rotate his players at Stamford Bridge, keeping an early trip to Huddersfield Town in mind, despite a handful of injury concerns.
Georginio Rutter and Ilia Gruev were both absent after feeling something during a training session on Tuesday, while Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford were just on the bench due to doubts.
Joe Gelhardt was another player who was scheduled to be in the squad and may have received some unusual minutes, as he did in the previous round’s triumph away at Plymouth.
However, in his post-match press conference, Farke claimed that Gelhardt had to withdraw from the squad very late due to ‘back spasms’ that prohibited him from walking.
Farke gave light on Gelhardt’s admission.
He stated, “In my intentions until yesterday. He had a back spasm during training and was unable to climb onto the coach; this happens once or twice a year and keeps him out for two or three days.
“He trained today but was unable to walk when we traveled. Saturday’s early kickoff puts us back in the early hours. The odds are against us, but we proved tonight that we can overcome them.”
Gelhardt hasn’t played much this season, but he’s been extremely unlucky with the timing of some of his injuries.
The 21-year-old impressed in his cameo in the previous round at Plymouth but has not had an opportunity to build on that, and the more minor injuries he sustains, the less likely he is to be able to establish a rhythm.
Regardless of whether Leeds is promoted or not, this summer will undoubtedly be a watershed moment in his career, as he must find a club where he can play on a regular basis, either on loan or permanently.
