Gaetano Berardi is in line to replace Pontus Jansson for Leeds United’s clash against Millwall at the end of next week, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The regional newspaper claim the one-time Switzerland international is the “likely option in front of Marcelo Bielsa” as he weighs up how best to adjust the line-up following the knee injury sustained by Jansson at the weekend.
The YEP report Leeds could also drop Kalvin Phillips back into central defence, as they have done on a number of occasions this season, but are more likely to go with Berardi now he is fully recovered from the hamstring tear that sidelined him for four months.
OPINION
In some ways, handing Berardi his first start in five months against Millwall represents something of a risk. The 30-year-old has had just seven minutes of Championship action since last October and his only serious football has come in Under-23s matches. Given the intensity of the Bielsa playing style and the demands that makes of the Leeds regulars, a lengthy spell on the sidelines means massive adjustments are necessary. Just ask Izzy Brown. That said, Berardi’s vast experience, undoubted commitment and ability to play out from the back means his selection is a no-brainer if he is deemed fully fit. Crucially, he is also the third best header of a ball at Leeds, after Jansson and Liam Cooper, and that is likely to prove crucial against a Millwall side who will bombard the United penalty area with long balls and crosses at every opportunity. Berardi just has to start on the 30 March.