Jack Clarke has been ruled out of Leeds United’s Championship clash against Bristol City on Saturday, it has been confirmed.
Speaking at his media conference on Thursday, as quoted by Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay, Marcelo Bielsa revealed that the key forward won’t be available despite returning to training this week.
Clarke has missed the last four matches after falling ill and being rushed to hospital during the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at the Riverside last month.
“He’s well, he’s fit,” Bielsa said. “He will play next week in an Under-23s game. After the game he will probably be able to be in the group.”
It will be the same line-up for Bristol City. On Jack Clarke: "He's well, he's fit. He will play next week in an Under-23s game. After this game, he will probably be able to be in the group." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) March 7, 2019
OPINION
Leeds’ plan to gradually integrate Clarke back into their team is a sensible one. Bielsa well remembers the scare at the Riverside and, although the richly talented 18-year-old has subsequently been given the all-clear to play, the manager’s risk-free policy is spot-on. Certainly, the imminent return of Clarke is a major boost to Leeds for the promotion run-in. He has made a huge impact after being fast-tracked into the senior side in the autumn, with a number of Premier League clubs tabling multi-million pound January bids. Leeds fended off interest in their prize asset, but might find it more difficult to do so in the summer if they fail to secure promotion back to the top flight. For now, they will just be eager to get Clarke fit and firing, and back on the pitch to provide vim and vigour from the flank. Clarke was especially productive before and around Christmas as an impact substitute, and he could have a huge role to play in the final two months of the season.