Leeds United employee backs Joe Gelhardt to start v Chelsea after early team news reveal
Noel Whelan has backed Joe Gelhardt to replace Patrick Bamford for Leeds United if Jesse Marsch wants to tackle Chelsea with a “natural number nine figure” on Sunday (21 August).
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Rodrigo could also lead the line for the Elland Road side after his red-hot start to the new campaign.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-Chelsea press conference and quoted by Leeds Live (19 August), Marsch revealed that Gelhardt is “ready to go” after struggling for fitness in recent weeks.
The American also revealed a late decision will be made on the fitness of Bamford – who was substituted in the first half of last week’s draw with Southampton.
Speaking on the club’s official podcast (19 August), the England international suggested he will “probably miss” Sunday’s game through a groin problem.
Whelan suggested the final decision on a striker will depend on how Marsch is looking to approach the Chelsea game.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think you’ve got to look at Gelhardt as that more natural number nine figure,”
“We saw him come in at the end of last season and have a really good spell.
“However, saying that, we’ve got Rodrigo – and he’s scored three goals in two games. That could free up a space for us to pack the midfield.
“We’ve got options, and Marsch has a real decision to make about how best to tackle Chelsea.
“Will it be the youth and exuberance of Gelhardt, or could he go and put that confident attacker in?”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Leeds United see £3million bid for Championship sensation rejected.