By Daniel Feliciano

2nd Oct, 2022 | 7:30pm

Jesse Marsch: Joe Gelhardt could feature for Leeds United U21's in EFL trophy

Joe Gelhardt could play for the Leeds United Under-21’s in the EFL trophy clash against Tranmere Rovers after not playing against Aston Villa.

Jesse Marsch left Gelhardt out of the match-day squad at Elland Road for the clash against Aston Villa, with the player taking part in the warm up despite not being involved in the 0-0 draw.

After the game Marsch revealed that the player was fit and available but it was a technical decision to leave him out, and suggested that he could play in midweek to get some minutes and fitness under his belt.

“Not based on performance,” he said, as quoted by Leeds-Live [2 October].

“A lot of guys performing well. Could say pecking order, but I really like Joffy. Maybe use him on Tuesday with a few others.

“Please don’t take it as a negative from Joffy.”

Stagnation

Gelhardt was one of the club’s best performers last season during a period in which they had next to no attacking options and were battling against relegation.

With Bamford out injured it was he who led the line and helped them to maintain their Premier League status and he was expected to keep his place in the squad and really kick on this year.

But with Bamford fit again, the arrivals of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto have seen him relegated out of contention and now he may start to stagnate.

A trip to the Under-21’s will likely prove that he is far too good for that level, even on a temporary basis and once the January transfer window comes around it’s possible that the club will need to make a decision on his future.

A loan move away could be on the cards to let him go and play and improve, rather than rot away in the stands at Elland Road.

In other Leeds news, Sonny Perkins continues to impress while with England’s Under-19’s