Crysencio Summerville has been ruled out for a month after picking up an ankle injury at Cardiff City last weekend. The winger was on the end of a hefty challenge in the first-half of the FA Cup third round tie and, much to Jesse Marsch’s frustration, he has picked up an issue that will see him miss some crucial matches.
He’ll miss Friday night’s trip to Aston Villa, while Premier League clashes against Brentford and Nottingham Forest look off the table, too, as he continues to recover. As such, Marsch will be forced to tinker with his starting XI as he plans for life without Summerville, who scored four goals in four games prior to the World Cup break.
Here’s a look at the options Marsch has at his disposal moving forward.
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Jack Harrison
On the face of it, this looks like a straight swap and Harrison would probably fit into whatever system Marsch opts to play in the West Midlands. Summerville has been used on the left of a midfield three lately, drifting wide when in possession to assist in attack and work alongside inside forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Harrison can certainly play that role, while Marsch would have confidence in him to remain disciplined off the ball, maintain and hold a midfield bank of three, or drop deeper to help out when needed. The 26-year-old can also offer plenty if the head coach opted for a different system.
He’s been seen through the middle on a couple of occasions since the Premier League restart, but his best and most comfortable position is on the left flank and that’s where he will feel he can cause most damage.
Sam Greenwood
Greenwood is another that can slot into both systems fairly seamlessly, you’d think. Marsch has used him as part of a midfield three on a semi-regular basis since the World Cup break and he looks comfortable in the role.
However, he can also push up through the middle in the event of a change in formation to play as an attacking midfielder. Greenwood’s set-piece delivery is a string to his bow and he showed exactly what he’s capable of in midfield against Bournemouth in November, stepping off the bench to turn the game on its head at Elland Road.
Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson has been used in a number of roles this season, mainly as a number 10 or on the right, but he has been known to play a little deeper on occasions throughout his career and he’s certainly a midfield option for Marsch. His industry and creativity was key for the Whites before the World Cup break and the energy he has could be utilised in a midfield three.
The American has featured in the Whites’ attacking line of late, but he has struggled for form and the confidence he showed supporters earlier in the season looks to have deteriorated. As such, his place in the side is far from secure but, if picked, he’ll be hoping a strong showing can help get his campaign back on track.
Max Wober
He won’t be Marsch’s first choice when it comes to replacing Summerville in the midfield three but he showed what he has to offer in the middle of the park with a solid showing at Cardiff City. The Austrian was still feeling his way into the Leeds set-up in South Wales on Sunday, but he combined well with Junior Firpo and Gnonto down the left, kept the ball well and offered a cool head when Leeds needed one.
He’s a more conservative option, of course, but away from home in the Premier League, it makes sense to keep things tight in the middle.
Luis Sinisterra
Sinisterra won’t be ready to take part in this week’s clash at Villa, he might not even feature next week against Brentford. However, the Colombian is expected to return to action before Summerville and he’ll be keen to reclaim the starting spot he held at the start of the campaign prior to his injury.
Of course, Sinisterra isn’t likely to play in a midfield three, but it was his absence that opened the door for Summerville to kick on and establish himself in the first place.
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