Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell has been named in the Under-23s’ starting XI against Liverpool at Elland Road this evening.
Cresswell has been missing from action for just under two months after suffering a dislocated shoulder injury in training ahead of the Whites’ 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in December.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed in his pre-match press conference this morning that the 19-year-old would be fit to face Aston Villa on Wednesday and is now set to take the next step in his recovery this evening.
Elsewhere, Crysencio Summerville is also in the starting line-up against the young Reds after his unconfirmed absence from both the first team and under-23s during the second half of January.
Bielsa revealed earlier today that Summerville asked to leave the club in last month’s transfer window, however he is back involved this evening after failing to secure a move away.
With the first team match at Villa just two days away, Mark Jackson has been forced to name a youthful side, with Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate, Leo Hjelde, Stuart McKinstry and Liam McCarron all missing.
Kristoffer Klaesson continues in goal for the young Whites, with Kris Moore, Harvey Sutcliffe, Jeremiah Mullen and the aforementioned Cresswell in defence.
Fifteen-year-old Archie Gray once again starts in midfield, with Nohan Kenneh and Jack Jenkins alongside him.
Max Dean keeps his place in attack ahead of Mateo Joseph, who is on the bench. Amari Miller makes up the rest of the starting XI.
Leeds United Under 23s XI: Klaesson, Moore, Sutcliffe, Kenneh, Cresswell, Mullen, Summerville, Jenkins, Dean, Gray, Miller
Subs: Van den Heuvel, Allen, Coleman, Joseph, McGurk
