Sources: Joe Gelhardt set to start for Leeds United v Cardiff City
Joe Gelhardt is set to return to the Leeds United starting XI for Sunday afternoon’s FA Cup clash against Cardiff City, sources have told Football Insider.
The forward, 20, is in line to be named in Jesse March’s team for the third-round tie at Elland Road.
It would be only the fourth start of the season for Gelhardt, who has been on the fringes of the team for most of the campaign.
Of Gelhardt’s three previous starts, only one has come in the Premier League, with the other two in the EFL Cup.
Marsch publicly apologised to Gelhardt after Leeds’ 2-2 draw with West Ham, with the American “not happy” with himself for his decision to bring the youngster on so late in the game.
Gelhardt replaced Wilfried Gnonto in the 91st minute at Elland Road, but was left too little time to make a difference to the scoreline.
Having scored twice last season for the Whites, Gelhardt is still searching for his first goal of the current campaign.
Starting Gelhardt against Cardiff would give Marsch a great opportunity to rest Rodrigo, who has consistently led the line for Leeds following Patrick Bamford’s latest injury setback.
In other news, Football Insider sources reveal Leeds United have opened preliminary talks for a new striker this month