Leeds United: Charlie Crew injury update after what happened in FA Youth Cup
Leeds United Under-18s manager Rob Etherington has provided an injury update after Charlie Crew was taken off late on against Millwall.
On 4 April Leeds reached the final of the FA Youth Cup with an entertaining 4-3 victory over the Lions at Elland Road.
The final is set to be hosted at the Etihad Stadium and following 10,000 fans being at the semi-final, it is likely to be a spectacle.
Although it was a great occasion there was a moment that would have worried fans and even Daniel Farke as Crew hobbled off late on.
Speaking with Leeds Live after the game, Etherington was full of praise for the 17-year old and his performances.
On that, he said: “He’s a top young person, he’s a top player. Everybody at the club on an occasion like this wants our best players, our best academy players, to play on that stage and there was certainly no real conversations about that (Crew being pulled out).
“For him to come out and try to be the best player on the pitch, for him and where he’s at, is perfect experience and exposure for him.”
There was some concern that he had picked up an injury after falling victim to a crunching tackle which saw him stay down and receive treatment.
Despite this, Etherington confirmed: “I think he’s just got some tired legs, but he’s not the only one.”
What impact can Charlie Crew have on the Leeds United first team?
Leeds announced that the Welshman had signed a professional contract in July 2023 just weeks after turning 17.
Crew signed for the Whites in 2022 and has gone on to impress for the under-18s and 21s teams in his time at the club.
He is yet to make his first-team debut but has been involved in two matchday squads for games against Watford and Hull City in recent weeks.
Given his young age and him now being part of a first-team squad, he is clearly very highly rated by Farke and Co.
There is already an obvious path to playing for the men’s team in the form of Archie Gray who has been a revelation this season.
The 18-year old has made 38 appearances this season [FotMob] and has played a starring role as Leeds look to achieve promotion.
Crew could accrue some first-team minutes in the run-in of this campaign but can also look forward to a positive pre-season with the first team in the summer.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke now has an easy decision to make on Dan James for the trip to Coventry City.
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