Phil Hay: Charlie Cresswell was set to start for Leeds United v Arsenal before injury blow
Phil Hay has shared that Charlie Cresswell was set to start for Leeds United against Arsenal on Saturday evening.
The under-23s skipper was set for only his second-ever Premier League start for the Whites as our injury crisis continues.
The Athletic journalist has reported that Cresswell himself has added to those worries by picking up a new shoulder problem in training.
Writing in his pre-match Q&A for The Athletic, Hay shared the news that will make this news even more crushing for the youngster.
“Our understanding with Cresswell is that he was due to start today,” he said.
“But an injured shoulder keeps him out.”
Gutting.
Cresswell has been sensational for the under-23s in recent years and has made the step up to the first team with relative ease when called upon.
Marcelo Bielsa will rate the young academy skipper with his physicality matched with an incredible range of passing from the defence.
The young defender shined when earning his first Premier League start against West Ham earlier in the season, keeping Michail Antonio quiet for all but one moment in the 2-1 defeat.
All this means now is that Robin Koch will simply have to start despite not being 100% match fit after returning from his injury and illness recently.
It’s not ideal, but the German international will be raring to go alongside Diego Llorente and it is time he went out there and put in a performance to remind everyone exactly what he can do.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action