Leeds United have handed a senior debut to teenaged right back Cody Drameh for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal.
Drameh arrived at Elland Road from Fulham last summer and his impressive performances in the club’s under-23s side has earned him a first senior start at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips has also returned to the side following his absence from the Whites ’ two last Premier League outings.
Phillips initially pulled out of the England squad due to a minor calf injury but then missed matches against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers with a hip issue.
The 25-year-old replaces Pascal Struijk in midfield, who instead starts at centre back in place of Liam Cooper.
Marcelo Bielsa’s other two changes come in midfield as Tyler Roberts comes in for the injured Raphinha and Adam Forshaw replaces Mateusz Klich.
Here is how Leeds fans have been reacting to the news.
@YorkshireMan91 : “Blimey, didn’t think it would be so strong tbh! Even more confident now, come on boys!”
@_chloeeee_x : “Why Roberts over Gelhardt or Sumerville!!!”
@Damo_1983 : “I along with everyone would love to see Roberts smash it but how after Saturday he can warrant a start I have no idea, his performance was shocking.”
@AntonyCarlHiggs : “Excited to see Cody… Big potential!”
@willtobeweird : “Wasn’t expecting this to be such a strong team. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love a cup run but the league is the main thing, I personally wouldn’t have risked Phillips and played a few more youth (Summerville, Gelhardt, Cresswell).. But in Bielsa we trust!”
@nigelLUFC : “Big night for Cody Drameh. I thought the likes of Summerville, Gelhardt and Cresswell might have started tonight but hopefully they will get some minutes on the pitch.”
@jimmy_L_UFC : “Really want Forshaw to do well tonight he’s got a lot to prove more so than the youth.”
@gandalflufc : “Would have been daft to play all the young ones from the start, nice balance to start with then I imagine a few changes at half time, hopefully Gelhardt and Summerville get a full 45.”
@ctrlitt : “KP alongside Forshaw could be interesting but disappointed not to see Gelhardt start.”
@longleaf_media : “Wish Joffy was playing but respect Bielsa’s loyalty. Excited to see Drameh play. If he does well it could free up Shacks to play in midfield.”
