Leeds United news: Danny Mills shares ‘big’ Joe Gelhardt claim after confirmed news
Joe Gelhardt has a “big opportunity” to establish himself as competition for Patrick Bamford in the Leeds United side.
That’s according to ex-Whites defender Danny Mills, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about his former side’s attacking options.
Leeds revealed via club media on Sunday (27 March) that Bamford, 28, will be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks after rupturing his plantar fascia.
Gelhardt, 19, has notched two goals and three assists in just 455 top-flight minutes this term after making his Premier League debut against Southampton on 16 December.
Mills has suggested it could be time to give Gelhardt a run of games as the Whites’ central attacker.
“Gelhardt hasn’t been given that chance so far this season and Bamford has pretty much always been out,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I think Jesse Marsch is prepared to give the younger players a bit of game time and I think he will rotate more than Bielsa.
“It’s a big opportunity for him. Leeds need to start bringing these young players through.
“There are a lot of really good young players and Leeds but there are also a lot of older ones.
“They don’t have much in the middle so if these guys can start to come through that would be ideal.“
Leeds United face Southampton at Elland Road on Saturday (2 April).
Marsch’s side could move up to 14th place with a win.
In other news, a source has shared a major update on Leeds United signing Brenden Aaronson.