Leo Hjelde has not been used in the Championship since the first day of the season, and Farke was asked if he could include the Leeds United player in the starting lineup due to the growing injury list.
Hjelde, 20, began the 2-2 draw with Cardiff on the left side of the Leeds defense, where goals from Liam Cooper and Cree Summerville earned the team a point at Elland Road. By halftime, though, he was hooked.
In fact, Junior Firpo has returned from injury, and Sam Byram has since become first choice. Since then, Hjelde has not participated in League play. Despite playing in the Cup, he is currently somewhat of a Leeds outsider.
Hjelde did not appear in the matchday squad since September’s 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. Byram, Firpo, and Jamie Shackleton are out for Leeds ahead of their Tuesday match against Sunderland.
According to the team’s YouTube channel, Farke responded when asked about Hjelde and whether or not to give the Norwegian a chance on Tuesday night at the Stadium of Light. He downplayed the likelihood of a recall.
Leeds United vs. Salford City – Carabao Cup Second Round
“There’s also a possible guy who can play there. However, we are concentrating on a few other players right now. However, we do have him as an option. He has been playing for the U21 team for the past few weeks.
Daniel Farke unlikely to recall Leeds outcast Leo Hjelde to side
Pretty damning against the ex-Celtic man, that Farke says he is considering other options ahead of Hjelde. That is, even with so many options currently out. Byram, Firpo and Shackleton are options.
After coming off the bench to replace Byram on Saturday, Djed Spence is expected to start on the left side against Sunderland. Stuart Dallas is not participating either. Pascal Struijk and Ilia Gruev are also capable of playing on the left side of defense.
Hjelde won’t be playing much before January, though, based on Farke’s statement that Hjelde isn’t really being considered despite the injuries ahead of him in what is likely his best position.
