Leeds United youngster Cody Drameh to make his mark in first Premier League start v Arsenal
Leeds United youngster Cody Drameh could be thrust into action against Arsenal in the Premier League later today.
The Whites’ injury problems have now become a full-blown crisis, with just 10 senior players set to be available for the clash against the Gunners.
That means that there will be a very youthful feel to Marcelo Bielsa’s matchday squad and perhaps the starting lineup too.
The Argentine has particular problems in defence, where Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Jamie Shackleton are all injured and Junior Firpo is suspended.
It looked to have opened the door for Charlie Cresswell’s second Premier League start, but the 19-year-old has become the latest absentee due to a dislocated shoulder [Daily Mail].
So now it falls on Drameh, a player with just 36 top flight minutes to his name, to make his first Premier League start against the Gunners. No pressure.
In some respects, the 20-year-old has an advantage. He made his Leeds debut against Mikel Arteta’s side in the League Cup in October, so has experience of coming up against the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
Drameh had a shaky start to that game at the Emirates Stadium, but grew in confidence and was hailed as “brilliant” by Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie.
It will not be easy for the right-back to come into the side though, with the Leeds team low on confidence after the 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City in midweek; the youngster came on as a 73rdminute substitute in that game.
Drameh is highly rated at Thorp Arch and was a regular for the Under-23s earlier in the season before his first team involvement.
He also made his England Under-21 debut in November when he started against Georgia.
Now it is time for him to show his talent and promise in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites target wants to stay at his current club in January.