MOT View: Crisis? Bielsa could turn to player who last started up top 14 months ago v West Brom
Leeds United are facing a potential mini-crisis ahead of their huge clash against West Brom on New Year’s Day.
Patrick Bamford missed the 5-4 win against Birmingham with a dead leg and while he is expected to be fit for the Baggies clash, it’s no certainty.
Eddie Nketiah started in his place against Birmingham but there has been increased speculation that he’s going to be recalled by Arsenal.
Bristol-based journalist Gregor MacGregor tweeted on Monday to say that Nketiah would be recalled in the next 48 hours.
If that’s the case then it’s highly unlikely that he would play any part in the game on Wednesday.
If Bamford isn’t fit and Nketiah is gone, who does Marcelo Bielsa turn to?
It’s highly unlikely to be Ryan Edmondson. The 18-year-old has only made two cameo appearances for Leeds and hasn’t even been on the bench this season.
Bielsa obviously isn’t sold on him and he won’t give him his first start in such a high-pressure game.
The only realistic option is Tyler Roberts. The 20-year-old made his return from injury against Birmingham, coming on for the last nine minutes after missing the six previous games through injury.
The last time Roberts started up front for Leeds was back in October 2018 in the 2-1 defeat against Blackburn.
Roberts has been used as an attacking midfielder and has made a few cameo appearances as a striker but he has only scored four goals in 41 appearances for the club since his move from West Brom.
He might have an even greater incentive to prove himself against his former club, but relying on Roberts would not be the ideal scenario for Leeds in such a big game.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Will command a high salary’ – Phil Hay names Leeds number one striker target for January