Leeds United secured an impressive 2-0 victory away to Cardiff City but Joe Gelhardt’s own future is looking uncertain.
Gelhardt has also been tipped to leave the club, once hailed as “Messi” by Micah Richards.
Struggling for Game Time
Despite some late interest on deadline day, he is still a Leeds player.
But he has only been used as a substitute in the Championship once this season and his omission from the party to face Cardiff at the weekend underlines how much of a struggle it will be getting back in favor under Daniel Farke.
Having in-form forwards like Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford available means contention for attacking places is high.
Gelhardt was even omitted from the squad despite injuries to key players like Manor Solomon and Dan James, indicating his position in the pecking order.
Attacking Depth Hurting Gelhardt’s Chances
Now, Leeds are heavy up front and Mateo Joseph, Brenden Aaronson and Wilfried Gnonto have all jumped ahead in Farke’s plans.
Signing new players such as Largie Ramazani has only made Gelhardt’s battle to get minutes more difficult.
And with the January transfer window on the horizon, Gelhardt could be looking to leave in a bid to play more frequently.
Gelhardt may be starved of opportunities if Leeds United stay relatively injury-free or their leading attacking players stay fit.
Without a switch of some kind, it seems Gelhardt will not be seen in Leeds colors again until the window reopens.
Could January Spell the End for Gelhardt?
Leeds United, however, have his future poised on a knife-edge.
Without a clear route into the first team, there would be no shock if he were to take a new beginning elsewhere in January.
The Elland Road faithful will be keeping a close eye on the performance of their team in their bid for promotion to see if the once-promising forward gets another opportunity or moves on.
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