Farke claims that a “special” Leeds player is enduring a rare injury

Daniel Farke reports that a Leeds United player sustained an uncommon ailment that prevented him from even riding the team coach during the week.

Leeds 3-2 Chelsea

The Whites lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup on Wednesday night, their first loss of 2024. Though the lineup was altered, adolescents Archie Grey and Mateo Joseph gave a terrific performance that was worthy of praise.

The club’s focus is now entirely on the Championship, with games happening quickly over the next seven days. Joseph scored twice, while Grey won Player of the Match after playing in his preferred midfield role.

Leeds and Farke’s next games are away at Huddersfield Town, at home to Stoke City, and away to Sheffield Wednesday. However, in addition to Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas, who have been out for a while, there also seem to be a few new injury concerns in the group.

Leeds injury updates

Notable absences during the loss at Stamford Bridge included Georginio Rutter and Ilia Gruev, two first-team regulars who were both dealing with minor injuries. But Joe Gelhardt was also absent from the squad, and it appears he suffered an injury as well.

Leeds Live reported that Farke stated at his post-match press conference that Gelhardt experienced a back spasm during training, something that occurs “once or twice a year.”

“Up until yesterday, in my plans. Twice a year, he experiences a back spasm during training that prevents him from climbing in the coach, leaving him out for two to three days.

“He trained today, but on the way, he was unable to walk. We start early on Saturday and return in the wee hours. Although the odds are against us, we showed tonight that we are capable of beating them.

With 11 appearances across all competitions this season, the 21-year-old’s Leeds tally now stands at 52. But he has started majority of his games on the bench.

His greatest moment wearing a Leeds jersey came in the Premier League in 2022 when he scored a late winner against Norwich City. Gelhardt has seen success in Yorkshire. Jamie Carragher praised him for it, saying that he “gets the flick on initially, brilliant up against the big defender.” He maintains his calm and doesn’t lose it. Indeed, it’s a clear goal, and you might argue it’s simple, but the ball is flashing across you at that particular moment in the game.

“And he has a very unique gift. He’ll be known for this significant accomplishment for now, but I promise that in a few years we’ll be talking a lot about this young man—he really is.”

If Gelhardt, who has also received plaudits from Farke, is sidelined again on Saturday, Joseph might move up the ladder, especially in light of his brace against the Blues.

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