Leeds United make calls on Ilia Gruev and Georginio Rutter as squad named v Huddersfield Town
Leeds United will be without Ilia Gruev for Saturday’s (2 March) clash with Huddersfield Town, according to Leeds Live.
Gruev was not involved in the midweek FA Cup loss at Chelsea, but Daniel Farke said he “had a chance” of being available against Huddersfield.
However, Leeds Live reported [2 March] ahead of the game that Gruev has not been named in the squad for the game at John Smith’s Stadium.
Georginio Rutter is part of the 21-man group, though, while Joe Gelhardt also has a chance of featuring in the West Yorkshire derby.
Jamie Shackleton definitely will not play any part due to illness and Pascal Struijk also remains absent.
Leeds United starting line-up will be strong no matter what
Gruev will be a big loss for Leeds as long as he remains on the sidelines, having made a massive impact since coming into the side.
Farke still has plenty of alternatives, though, not least the option of bringing the hugely impressive Archie Gray into holding midfield alongside Glen Kamara.
Or indeed using Ethan Ampadu there, with both the Welshman and Gray capable of playing in midfield or defence.
It goes to highlight the strength in depth to this Leeds side pretty much all over the pitch right now.
Having Rutter back would also be a massive boost for Farke as the Frenchman’s presence was missed at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds will be considered big favourites for this early kick-off, but they have showed time and time again they can cope with that expectation.
Whoever Farke selects in his XI, you just know they will do a job at the John Smith’s Stadium to keep our automatic promotion hopes alive and well.
In other Leeds United news, the Under-18s side have learned their opponents after reaching the FA Youth Cup final for the first time this century.
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