Leeds United: Daniel Farke dealt key blow v Chelsea as Georginio Rutter misses out

Leeds United have been dealt a key blow to their chances of securing a victory at Stamford Bridge as Georginio Rutter was missing from the confirmed XI and matchday squad v Chelsea.

Daniel Farke named Connor Roberts, Liam Cooper, Daniel James, Jaidon Anthony and Mateo Joseph in the starting XI in place of Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto and Rutter.

Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Donnohue shared via his X account that the Frenchman has missed out on the FA Cup showdown with a hip injury.

Georginio Rutter misses out in key Leeds United blow v Chelsea

The absence of Rutter will be a huge issue for Leeds and their hopes of taking a victory at Stamford Bridge which would see them progress to the quarter-final of the FA Cup and an increasing chance of silverware.

Rutter has received high praise for his performances at Elland Road so far this season, with comparisons made to the likes of Denis Bergkamp and Zinedine Zidane, such has been the quality of his football under Farke’s leadership.

Last time out against Leicester, the Frenchman picked up an assist on top of four key passes as he allowed his creative ability to shine even against a high-flying Leicester side who have pulled away at the top of the Championship.

His display against Leicester proved that Rutter can step up when the pressure is on against a more difficult opponent, which would have made him ideal for the Chelsea clash at Stamford Bridge, but the visitors will have to do without.

In other Leeds United news, a 49ers dilemma has emerged at Elland Road.

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