Josuha Guilavogui admission made at Leeds United ahead of clash v Bristol City
Beren Cross has admitted fans shouldn’t be surprised if Josuha Guilavogui doesn’t come off of the bench against Bristol City.
Daniel Farke’s side make the trip to Ashton Gate to face the Robins on Saturday (26 October) as they look to close the gap to Sunderland at the top of the Championship table.
The Whites will be boosted by the arrival of free-agent Guilavogui, but Leeds Live journalist Cross insists the midfielder could well spend the entire game rooted to the substitute’s bench.
Writing for Leeds Live on Saturday (26 October) he said: “Josuha Guilavogui arrived in the week on a contract until the end of the season, though he has not been involved in a team set-up for more than five months.
“Farke seemed to manage expectations in yesterday’s press conference, reasserting there is no urgent need for the Frenchman to be parachuted in immediately.
“A place in the squad seems sensible to aid his integration with the group, but do not be surprised if it remains watching brief all afternoon. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will almost certainly continue to start.”
Who is Leeds United signing Josuha Guilavogui?
While Leeds United were in desperate need of some greater defensive depth after both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev picked up long-term injuries, both Rothwell and Tanaka have shown they are capable of impressing consistently in the middle of the park.
Farke has had to rely on the pair over the last few weeks of the season and so far, they have barely put a foot wrong as they have helped the Whites pick up six points after the October international break.
It wouldn’t be fair for either midfielder to lose their place in the starting XI at the expense of Guilavogui and it isn’t yet clear how fit the Frenchman is having missed the entirety of pre-season and the first two months of the campaign.
Maybe Farke could introduce the 34-year-old in the second half if the Whites are winning comfortably at Ashton Gate, but you’d imagine the Leeds boss will be reluctant to take any unnecessary risks given the sheer amount of fitness issues already in his squad.
In other Leeds United news, Farke is set to make a Manor Solomon decision for the Whites’ showdown with the Robins at Ashton Gate
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.