Good Morning. It's Thursday 25th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Medical team to patch up Rodrigo as best they can
The Thorp Arch medical team face a race against time to patch up Rodrigo, as best they can, as Leeds prepare for their most important game, since their season finale this time last season. It has been established that he has been suffering from a plantar fascia injury, the same ailment that kept strike partner Bamford, sidelined for much of last season. Without any other recognised forwards in their squad, they will have to make do.
Not many teams are offered a last minute reprieve; let alone two seasons in a row. Lady luck will have to work overtime to unravel this mess. You'd think Leeds would have learnt by their mistakes, alas - wishful thinking. They have been screaming out for a top class striker for several seasons now, and whilst they continue to be linked with all and sundry, their striking options remain, just Rodrigo and Bamford.
Big Sam highlighted the clubs' lack of striking options, during his post match presser last weekend, and although making a rod for his own back, is 100% right in his assessment. They continue to wheel Bamford on and off the pitch whenever they can, yet both his stats, and his fitness levels are truly awful. In just over 1500 minutes of game time (this season), he has racked up a pathetic 'Whoscored' appraisal of just 6.36, placing his 22nd in the squad. Only Greenwood, Forshaw and Rutter have worse records (as far as the Senior players are concerned).
Should Rutter be given the nod
With Bamford sidelined, and Rodrigo struggling with a foot injury, do Leeds need to gamble on Georginio Rutter against Spurs on Sunday? The 21 year old record signing has been less than impressive since his arrival in January, but could have a chance to redeem himself, should he manage to help the Whites maintain their Premie League status.
Whoscored have given the Frenchman a rating of 6.19, placing him 26th in the rankings. He also has the worst pass rate for any outfield player in the entire squad, but needs must. Perhaps Gelhardt, fresh from his spell with Sunderland, could get an opportunity?
