Sources: Bielsa makes up mind over Leeds striker plan after international break

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Published on:

12 Oct 2019, 4:30 am

Eddie Nketiah is set for an extended wait for his first Leeds United start in the Championship, Football Insider understands.

The striker, 20, is still waiting for his league bow at the Yorkshire giants despite scoring four goals and making a big impact since joining on loan from Arsenal.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that Marcelo Bielsa is set to persist with Patrick Bamford as his number one striker after the international break in what is a major blow to Nketiah.

Bamford has been criticised by a significant section of fans for wasteful finishing despite contributing to the team's fluent attacking play.

Some have called for Bamford and Nketiah to be paired in a two-pronged strike attack, but the source explained that Bielsa has no immediate plans to try that strategy.

It means another major blow for the on-loan Arsenal star and he will continue to have to bide his tide when the Championship programme returns against Birmingham City next Saturday.

Although Nketiah has yet to start a league match for the Whites, he has been used as a substitute in seven of their last eight Championship games and started both of their League Cup fixtures.

There is a mid-season recall clause in Nketiah's season-long loan but it can only be triggered by Arsenal if he has not had a pre-agreed amount of match action.

Football Insider pundit and ex-Leeds forward Noel Whelan revealed earlier this week how Nketiah's second-string status raises fears he will lose patience and find another loan club in January.

Nketiah is Leeds' equal top scorer this season along with strike rival Bamford.

The youngster has netted twice in the Championship and twice in the League Cup, while all four of the £7million signing from Middlesbrough' goals have come in the league.

In other Leeds United news, the club are setting their sights on SPL big hitter for a SECOND time.

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