Connor Roberts can’t play for Leeds United vs Plymouth Argyle – Adam Pope
Adam Pope has shared why new Leeds United signing Connor Roberts still won’t be able to make his debut in the second game since he signed.
The Burnley defender arrived as a Deadline Day addition, only being announced after the transfer window had shut, and not in time to be registered to face Bristol City a day later (2 February).
Speaking on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet on 5 January BBC journalist Pope explained that the Welsh defender won’t feature in the FA Cup replay at Plymouth Argyle either on Tuesday night because he wasn’t part of Daniel Farke’s squad prior to the first game, a 1-1 draw at Elland Road on 27 January.
Jonny Buchan said of the 1-0 win at Ashton Gate (8m 40s): “Obviously we didn’t see Connor Roberts involved because he wasn’t registered in time for that game, and he can’t be involved down at Plymouth can he either?”
Pope replied: “No, because he was not registered for the original tie.”
Roberts must wait for Leeds United debut after Burnley switch
Whites fans will be anxious to see the sole signing of the January window, but the timing of his deal means both he and they are going to have to wait.
Leeds United chased defensive reinforcements for the duration of the month, and especially once Djed Spence was sent back to Tottenham and Luke Ayling was allowed to leave for Middlesbrough.
So the fact that it took until after 11pm on Deadline Day to finally announce one was a frustration, and has necessarily forced his debut back.
Thankfully Farke had his team in supreme form during that time, with the cup draw which has necessitated another trip down to the West Country the only game that wasn’t won since the start of 2024.
Injury concerns at the back made Roberts’ arrival necessary, but aside from Pascal Struijk the situation is currently under control.
The Clarets man has already suggested he wants to stay at Elland Road permanently, before playing a minute, but his loan will need to resemble Joe Rodon’s more than Spence’s for that to happen first.
In other Leeds United news, a shock Whites exit to a European giant was on the cards on Deadline Day but didn’t go through.
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