Leeds United, to put it bluntly, are down to the bare bones. Instead of solving their injury woes, the month-long hiatus from football has only exasperated their problems.
Crysencio Summerville’s injury in the seventh minute against Elche on Thursday night means there are 10 wounded soldiers on the first-team treatment table. Just one fit winger and out-and-out striker - a mere youngster - leaves Leeds short in attack… so why would United chiefs weaken the midfield?
Reports have emerged that Mateusz Klich is on the cusp of joining MLS outfit DC United. Wayne Rooney took charge of the club midway through the campaign but could not propel them from the bottom of the table.
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Now, Polish international Klich may be entering the twilight of his career at 32 but he still has a short-term part to play at Elland Road. A veteran of the successful Championship-winning campaign in 2019-20, all 11 of his appearances this season have come from the bench.
Nevertheless, a critically-thin squad means, as it stands, Pole is one of the only central midfielders available for selection. Tyler Adams is on an extended break following his heroics with the United States at the World Cup.
Adam Forshaw returned from a long lay-off against Elche, leaving Marc Roca as the only first-team midfielder. Klich may not be the answer for the future, but he is essential for the present.
In a time when Leeds should be aiming to bolster their ranks, transfer talk has cooled. Ambitious moves for Cody Gakpo or Goncalo Ramos appear beyond the Whites’ reach after making a considerable splash in Qatar.
Offloading another player - albeit a utility man - would set the wrong precedent to supporters and potential arrivals. It is surprising to see Leeds consider weakening their squad further when injuries almost sent them hurtling back to the Championship in May.
Andrea Radrizzani would be gambling the Whites' top-flight status - and his San Francisco 49ers golden ticket - if he does not back Marsch in the transfer market. It should be clear to anyone, Leeds supporter or not, that incomings - not outgoings - are required next month.
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