Twenty-nine days was the kind of break Jesse Marsch had braced himself for when it came to Leeds United’s plans in 2022/23, except it was supposed to only happen once. The Whites head coach knew there was going to be a 45-day stoppage this season for the World Cup, but another gaping chasm in the schedule was not on his agenda.
A two-week international break between the Manchester United and Aston Villa matches has turned into a four-week pause on the campaign, with just one under-21 fixture Marsch could really take advantage of. Behind-closed-doors matches are expected to be played in order to keep non-international players sharp before Villa visit Elland Road on October 2.
In those 29 days after the loss at Brentford earlier this month, there will be a lot of shifting and changing within the players Marsch has available to him. Injuries will heal and crop up, international duty will help some players and hinder others.
READ MORE: Jesse Marsch has started to deliver what he promised when he took over as Leeds United boss
Across the 11 who started in Hounslow on September 3, a case can be made for three changes by the time Steven Gerrard brings his side to Elland Road. In a season which has started well for United, many of those already in the line-up have put very few feet wrong up to now.
However, some dips in form or inexperience may open the door for those who will be much sharper and fitter by the time competitive action returns. Captain Liam Cooper, fresh from 90 minutes with the under-21s on Friday, seems a sensible recall for Marsch.
Diego Llorente, called up for Spain duty once again this week, had a horrible time of it at Brentford and even with the passing of time, could do with a spell out of the firing line. If it were somebody less senior waiting in the wings, backing Llorente would have some merit, but when it’s a left-footed captain it becomes a clearer decision.
Cody Drameh, who made just his second Premier League start last time out, is among those whose chances of starting again would have been aided by playing sooner. With Rasmus Kristensen a doubt and Luke Ayling finding his feet ahead of the Nottingham Forest and Old Trafford games, Drameh stood a decent chance of keeping his place.
As it is, Kristensen has been named in the Denmark squad, presumed fit, while Ayling was decent at Brentford and came through 80 minutes with the under-21s on Friday. If the former shows he is fit and firing with his national team, you could imagine Marsch backing his summer signing to continue his adaptation to the top flight.
Joe Gelhardt is in a similar situation in attack, where Patrick Bamford and, potentially, Rodrigo should put the youngster’s start under threat. Bamford was rusty in 45 minutes against the Bees, but then smashed in a hat-trick alongside 76 minutes on Friday night.
Sticking with Marsch’s injury timeline for Rodrigo would put the forward in training ahead of Villa, but with others sharper you would imagine the head coach does not push him too far too soon. Bamford seems a sensible bet a fortnight from now.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United dressing room talks behind unseen under-21 benefits at Elland Road
Leeds United set for tough October Premier League test following quiet September
Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw gives assessment on Whites season so far
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper explains last season and summer impact on good start to season
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher disagree on Aston Villa confidence going into Leeds United clash
