Marcelo Bielsa has yet to make up his mind on when to re-introduce Jack Clarke into the senior Leeds United squad.
Speaking at his media conference in the aftermath of Leeds’ 3-0 Championship win over Reading on Tuesday night, the Elland Road manager gave an update on the 18-year-old attacker following a month on the sidelines.
Bielsa explained, as quoted by YEP journalist Phil Hay, that Clarke may play his second match of the week for the Under-23s on Thursday evening and he does not yet know he if will be involved in Saturday’s showdown against Sheffield United.
Bielsa yet to decide whether Jack Clarke will be involved on Saturday. Played for the U23s yesterday. U23s have a cup game on Thursday. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) March 12, 2019
OPINION
Much will depend upon Clarke’s involvement for the Under-23s on Thursday. He made a big impact on his comeback at that level in Monday’s emphatic 4-0 hammering of Charlton Athletic, looking in good nick following his health scare in last month’s draw at Middlesbrough. With Leeds’ bench lacking attacking firepower, and Bielsa once again reluctant to use Izzy Brown in Tuesday’s convincing win at Reading, Clarke could be the gamechanger the senior side need in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash at Elland Road. His quick feet, pace and technical ability would add another dimension to the attack, especially if the starters fail to close down a Sheffield United defence that has been as impregnable of late as the Leeds one. Perhaps the best outcome would be for Clarke to get a 45-minute run-out on Thursday, conserving enough energy for him to be a weapon from the bench at the weekend.