Beyond spate, beyond rash, beyond crisis; the Leeds United injury situation is full-blown out-of-control at the moment.
Such is the rate that the Whites are dropping, never mind putting in to the EFL for special dispensation to sign an emergency loan keeper, they’ll have to ask for permission to make the shirt numbers smaller in case of needing three digits.
Joking aside, the situation is looking a fair bit grim for Leeds United at the moment. Already missing long-term absences in the likes of Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling, now the Whites have to contend with news that influential defender Pontus Jansson is out.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, today it was revealed that #1 stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell is likely to miss Saturday’s game at Elland Road against Bristol City. This news is compounded by the fact that Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman has returned to Stamford Bridge with a broken leg.
It looks increasingly likely that Leeds United are going to scrape into the Under-23s to cover Peacock-Farrell’s absence with either Kamil Miazek or Will Huffer set to start on Saturday. There are also choices to be made at centre-back about who is to partner captain Liam Cooper.
With names being bandied about, amidst pleadings for January signings to be made, Leeds United fans have welcomed the news that young Finland international Aapo Halme could be due a part in the game which would represent a jump up in class and competition.
Bielsa on his options: “Phillips can play as a centre-back. Aapo Halme is another opportunity. These are the two opportunities.” #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) November 22, 2018
With that still resounding in their ears, here’s what some Leeds United fans are saying about the possibility of running with the former HJK Helsinki youngster:
Luke ayling and berardi Pontus jansson aapo halme #lufc #MOT
— Leedslad (@Leedslad15) November 22, 2018
Be good to seen Halme play, there are high expectations after we spent 500k on an academy player #lufc
— ⚪️ LUFC Chat ⚪️ (@LufcChat) November 22, 2018
👊 Aapo Halme (20) is expected to make his #LUFC debut this weekend.
✍️ Signed for £500,000 in January
✅ 36 Appearances for @HJKHelsinki
🇫🇮 Finland U21 International
🚀 Aerially Dominant
🎯 Positive On The BallHe’ll More Than Hold His Own.#LeedsYouth pic.twitter.com/SC3jNrlvwP
— LeedsYouth 🕵🏻♂️ (@LeedsYouth) November 22, 2018
Genius move from Aapo Halme to secure an unassailable position at the start of any A-Z history of #lufc players right before our centenary, by the way. Except they’re always listed by surname, so he’s not even before Steve Guppy………
— Jon Howe (@jonhowe1971) November 22, 2018
Christ on a bike, our injury list! 2 keepers out, 2 right backs and a centre back.
Sending out Coyle and not bringing a centre half in has predictably bit us on the arse.
‘Mon Halme! #lufc
— Mike (@LeedsMJ84) November 22, 2018
Think I went on holiday to Aapo Halme one summer in the mid-90s #lufc
— MrPaulRobinson (@MrPaulRobinson) November 22, 2018
