Marcelo Bielsa has explained why Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah did not feature against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The Whites’ deadline day addition was not even on the bench for their clash against Forest. With Tyler Roberts injured, that left Patrick Bamford as United’s only centre-forward option.
Supporters are keen to see their new speedy and athletic forward integrated into the side as soon as possible, to replace last season’s top-scorer Kemar Roofe.
The Whites were left frustrated after drawing 1-1 with Forest, despite dominating large portions of the game.
The hosts created an abundance of chances prior to opening the scoring, but could not make the most of their opportunities before they were dealt a sucker-punch at the other end of the field.
Although Bielsa had Helder Costa to call on from the bench, the introduction of Nketiah could have been an important weapon to use in the latter stages of the match.
However, the message from the Whites’ Argentine chief was clear, as he explained why the 20-year-old wasn’t involved at Elland Road.
“Maybe he will play on Tuesday,” he explained to the press after the draw.
“He didn’t do any training with the team before now. I prefer to wait before I say if he will or will not play.”
Leeds travel to Manchester to take on Salford City in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, which could also see Helder Costa make his full debut for the club.
The pair will hope to impress Bielsa in a bid to make the starting XI for next weekend’s clash against Wigan Athletic.
