Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah is set to be recalled by the North London side during the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old joined the promotion-chasing side on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window but found it difficult to secure starting opportunities at Elland Road.
His two starts in the Championship came at the weekend in the 5-4 victory over Birmingham City and on New Year's Day, where he played the first half against West Brom before being replaced at half-time.
Prior to that, Nketiah had made 15 appearances in the league off the bench, scoring three goals, and also scored twice in his two appearances in the League Cup.
Arsenal are keen for Nketiah to have more opportunities in the second half of the season and have decided to recall the striker - as reported by football.london - and Bielsa has now confirmed the news.
"Yes we know that he is not allowed to continue with us. It's a shame. It's a pity for us. Of course Arsenal and him didn't expect what we offered him," he told Sky Sports via a translator.
"He is a great player and professional. In this sense we want to congratulate Eddie, his family and Arsenal."
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the game, the Argentine boss added: "It wasn't something easy for him because he deserves to be there, but played on the bench for Bamford.
"After he had a health problem for more than one month, two months. One month injured and another month of adaptation. After adaptation, after the Fulham game, he became again one of the 11 starters.
"We know Patrick was injured in this match, but Eddie was going to play anyway. Today he played again because he did well against Birmingham. We thought he had a high value with continuity. Also, it’s important when you play and have a sub like Bamford. In the development of one player this is important. Against Birmingham he did a great physical effort. We were surprised because he got in this match, a special player with great resources.
"Our play was a collective way of playing. One player has to adapt to this. For this reason, when he was in the team, we thought he would feel the same and stay with us. He didn't’t take this decision, but he’s a great player, excellent professional, He had very good behaviour.
"A gentleman in every sense. We are grateful with him. Also to his family and his club. They developed Eddie with a very good education. For this reason it’s a pity he leaves us because we were happy with him."
Nketiah could move on loan to another club during the January transfer window, with Bristol City keen on his services after narrowly missing out during the summer.
