Phil Hay shares what Joe Gelhardt has been told about Leeds United future ahead of January
Joe Gelhardt has been told he will remain at Leeds United in the January transfer window despite a lack of minutes in the first half of the season, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist reported [21 December] that while a loan deal may appeal to the forward, Daniel Farke is not willing to lose him at this stage of the season.
Gelhardt has made just six Championship appearances for Leeds this season, averaging just 30 minutes per game [Sofascore], but Farke still regards him as a key option for the depth of his squad.
Depth could prove crucial
In Leeds’ push for promotion from the Championship, the depth of Farke’s squad could prove the difference, and he is not willing to risk losing any of that depth regardless of the playing time being handed out.
Charlie Cresswell was another named by Hay as one who would not be leaving Elland Road in January, as the boss wants to keep his options open amid the busiest stage of the season when fixture congestion often leads to increased injury concerns.
In the winter months where they will be playing every couple of days, it is crucial that Leeds rotate their lineup as much as possible to avoid missing any key players through injuries if they want to keep their push for promotion going strong.
Currently occupying a playoff place, Leeds’ intention is to chase down the leading two and earn themselves automatic promotion, but to do that they will need every player available to them and the possibility for rotation when deemed necessary.
In other Leeds United news, Micah Richards gushed over one Leeds star after his performances.