Joel Piroe has chance to save Leeds United career as injury news emerges at Elland Road
Leeds United are one of the most dangerous teams in the Championship, being bettered only by Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.
Despite arriving as an exciting addition at Elland Road last summer, joining from Swansea City, Joel Piroe has slipped further down the pecking order under Daniel Farke.
The Dutchman has started 28 of the Whites’ 38 league matches this season, but has been benched for the last four fixtures as Leeds picked up three victories and a draw against Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, and Huddersfield Town.
Why has Joel Piroe been axed by Daniel Farke at Leeds United?
The resurgence of Patrick Bamford has halted Piroe’s performances and run in the side. However, Farke’s side has not skipped a beat, continuing their fine form and cruising to the top of the Championship table, above Leicester City.
At the heart of Leeds’ incredible displays has been Georginio Rutter, playing a vital role in supplying the goods to Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James, while also chipping in with the odd goal.
The Frenchman leads the way in terms of assists in the second tier, beating the likes of Leif Davis and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with 15. A new injury update has shocked Elland Road, though, which could pave the way for Piroe.
Can Joel Piroe take advantage of Georginio Rutter’s situation at Elland Road?
It was reported, as per the club’s official website, that Rutter would be undergoing surgery during the international break, having been suffering from a hernia problem for the past few weeks.
Although the surgery could allow Leeds’ star man to return within 10 days of the surgery, in time for the Watford clash on Friday 29 March, the club will be anxious not to rush him back to the starting XI.
A lengthier spell on the sidelines could be detrimental to the Whites’ Championship title hopes, so Piroe must take the opportunity to retake his spot on Farke’s teamsheet before he is axed from the manager’s future plans at the club.
It is a strange situation for the former Swansea forward. The 24-year-old has bags of talent to showcase but has been outshone in recent weeks by his in-form teammates.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have already started scouting a defender who plans to return to England in the summer transfer window.
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