Leeds teenager’s full Premier League debut may come sooner than expected

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With Leeds United dealing with a raft of injuries this season, Marcelo Bielsa has been able to hand out Premier League debuts to a host of players.

Cody Drameh became the latest on Sunday, with the right-back helping the Whites see out the win over Norwich City.

But of course, the youngster that all fans are looking for whenever the lineup is announced these days is Joe Gelhardt.

Gelhardt made his first-team debut for Leeds in the Carabao Cup win over Fulham this season. Soon after, he made his top-flight bow in the defeat at Southampton.

In neither game was Gelhardt able to make too much of an impact. However, against Wolves last month, the 19-year-old showed exactly why the hopes were so high for him.

The former Wigan man seemed to change the game after coming on in the second-half. He forced Jose Sa into a world-class stop. And he won the penalty that Rodrigo scored for the stoppage-time equaliser that sent Elland Road into a frenzy.

Gelhardt danced past Ruben Neves and Nelson Semedo like they were not even there on his way to the six-yard box. Ultimately, all Semedo could do was give the forward the opportunity to go to ground.

Gelhardt knocking on door for full Premier League debut for Leeds

Despite the incredible cameo, Gelhardt’s wait for a full Premier League debut did not end when Leeds faced Norwich. In fact, he did not even get onto the pitch.

The decision was understandable. Leeds were holding a narrow lead when the changes started to be made. So throwing Gelhardt on may not have seemed necessary.

But the pressure is now on Rodrigo, Dan James and Jack Harrison. While Patrick Bamford is sidelined, it is Gelhardt breathing down their necks. Having said that, Tyler Roberts produced some nice moments after coming on against the Canaries.

It is hard to see Bielsa making any changes for Sunday’s clash with Leicester. So some may assume that the teenager may have to bide his time a little longer for that first start.

But perhaps the decision may be taken somewhat out of Bielsa’s hands before too long.

Rodrigo scored the winner at Carrow Road. But he also picked up his fourth yellow card of the season.

He has nine games to go to not pick up a caution if he wants to avoid a one-match suspension.

And with Leeds fans a little unsure of how long Bamford has left before he is back, perhaps there is a good chance that Gelhardt may end up as Bielsa’s best option in the not-too-distant future.