By Pranav Shahaney

6th Mar, 2023 | 8:30pm

Archie Gray appears to be close to Leeds United debut after making squad v Chelsea and Fulham

Archie Gray now appears just days away from playing his first ever senior game for Leeds United after making the matchday squad against Chelsea and Fulham.

On Monday, 6 March, with Javi Gracia in attendance, Gray came off the bench against Derby County in an under-21s game.

This was the 16-year-old midfielder’s first game back in action since September, having been ruled out with an injury.

Via Twitter, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Donnohue shared the image and wrote, “Archie Gray’s first appearance since mid-September.”

The 16-year-old has already become a household name for Leeds fans even though he hasn’t yet made his senior debut for the club.

Each time he’s spotted in training or is seen travelling with the squad, there is hope that he may be on the cusp of making his senior bow.

Now, with him being on the matchday squads for two consecutive games and playing for the under-21s with Gracia in attendance, he may well get his chance sooner rather than later.

Hopefully, he keeps himself fit and works on his training as he’s a real talent who’s already showing at 16 why he deserves a spot on the bench ahead of players three and four years older than him.

He’s already played for the England under-16s and under-17s and hopefully, the next step in his development is a Premier League game off the bench for Leeds this season.

We will not be surprised, if against Brighton on 11 March, if the Whites are leading by a goal or two, Gracia brings him off the bench to give him the final few minutes of the game.

In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.

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