With injuries beginning to cut deep at Eland Road, Leeds United’s lean squad is being stretched to the limit. Saturday’s game against Bristol City is going to see changes.
There are two positions up for grabs in the Whites line-up to face Bristol City, both enforced by the rush of injuries that is slowly beginning to look somewhat of a curse.
The first is going to be a two-man foot race between youngsters Kamil Miazek and Will Huffer for a chance to start in goal. Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s knee injury will see one of the Under-23 regulars make that big step up in class to the Sky Bet Championship.
In front of them, and partnering club captain Liam Cooper at the heart of the Leeds United backline will be another change. Pontus Jansson is out injured, another victim of the ‘fall like flies’ rash of injuries that are filling up the treatment rooms at the West Yorkshire club.
First-teamer Kalvin Phillips is a possibility to drop back from midfield to fill the gap left by Jansson’s absence. However, after recent praise from Marcelo Bielsa himself, another name has been thrust forward – that of Aapo Halme.
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
That consideration of Halme gave rise to many comments from Leeds United fans, fans who thought the Finland youth international somewhat of a mirage after he’d from HJK Helsinki. He came highly rated but a foot injury and surgery delayed his progress.
Now, after turning out for the Under-23s, the young Finn is ready to go and has been drawing the attention of Marcelo Bielsa. Leeds’ Argentinian manager has possibly also dropped a hint when commenting on Halme’s fitness and match readiness.
Commenting on those, Bielsa said, “He is now well and he has played. I see him with a good level but you draw conclusions only on the games.” Bielsa has seen those games, perhaps it is Leeds United fans’ turns to see Halme step up to the plate for tomorrow’s game against Bristol City.
