Tony Dorigo fears lengthy absence for striker Joe Gelhardt who Leeds United ‘desperately need’
The injury to Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt is a concern because the side is “desperately in need” of him with Patrick Bamford out, says Tony Dorigo.
The former Whites defender is worried about the potential for an extended lay-off for the young forward in what has become a “problem area” at the club.
The 19-year-old picked up a dead leg playing for the under-23s this week (4 April), just when it appeared his time had come in the first-team with Bamford potentially ruled out for the rest of the season.
Dorigo writes in the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We are desperately in need of that kind of player and, to be fair to ‘Joffy’, every time he’s come on he has looked like he will make something happen.
“He’s so positive, strong, skilful and you just want to see him progress, learn and get more minutes.
“Against Southampton, Gelhardt once again made a difference so it’s a shame he’s picked up another niggle. Hopefully it won’t keep him out for too long.
“With dead legs, it depends how bad they are really; sometimes you can run through it to a point but, if there’s a lot of bruising in there, it could take a little while.
“The striker role is a bit of a problem area for Leeds United and, unfortunately, the best solution was sitting next to me on Saturday.
“Patrick Bamford was commentating on the game, not where we want him to be.”
Cursed
Central strikers at Elland Road have had some awful luck this season.
Bamford has suffered set back after set back, while Tyler Roberts is out for the rest of the year, and now Gelhardt is picking up regular knocks.
A back problem before the international break stopped him kicking on after scoring a dramatic winner against Norwich.
And with his path to first team starts apparently cleared he is being held back by an issue suffered in a game that was supposed to help him get back up to full fitness.
Despite regularly proving he is better suited as a wide man Dan James continues to be thrust into the central attacking role.
Rodrigo has improved markedly under Jesse Marsch but would be better playing off a number nine.
Phil Hay reported last week that the American could be looking for a new striker in the summer, but potential candidates might think twice if they worry about becoming part of this incredible run of injuries at the position.
In other Leeds United news, yet another Premier League side is reportedly considering a move for a star Whites player.