Teenage Leeds star Joe Gelhardt has suffered an untimely blow in his breakthrough campaign after being ruled out for a month with an ankle injury.
The exciting forward, 19, has had a huge impact in his six Premier League appearances since his debut in October, scoring one goal, setting up another and winning two penalties.
However, Gelhardt and fellow forward Tyler Roberts have joined an injury list which now totals eight players, even with striker Patrick Bamford available for Sunday’s FA Cup clash at West Ham after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Leeds have seen teenage sensation Joe Gelhardt as the latest name on their growing injury list
Gelhardt announced himself under the lights when he scored against Chelsea in west London
Roberts limped out of last weekend’s 3-1 win over Burnley with a calf issue while Gelhardt, who replaced him in the second half, damaged his ankle in training on Thursday.
Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, Rodrigo, Pascal Struijk, Jamie Shackleton and Charlie Cresswell are all on the treatment table as well and Diego Llorente is suspended.
Boss Marcelo Bielsa said of Gelhardt: ‘He has connected in a big way with the fans. That’s a feature not many players have.
‘He generates hope, expectation and increases their enthusiasm.’
It adds to the woes of boss Marcelo Bielsa (R) ahead of their FA Cup clash against West Ham
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