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Leeds United forward Kemar Roofe has been sidelined with a knee injury, as reported by the BBC.
The 26-year-old is the Whites’ top scorer so far this season, having racked up 14 goals in 26 Championship outings, as per Transfermarkt’s stats. His absence will come as a major blow to manager Marcelo Bielsa, especially at such a crucial time in the season, with Leeds in the thick of the title race.
The Argentine coach will have to find a way to make his team work without Roofe, beginning with Saturday’s visit of struggling Bolton Wanderers to Elland Road.
On the chalkboard
Leeds’ squad is already small, as is Bielsa’s preference. However, that does make dealing with Roofe’s injury an even greater challenge.
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Leeds’ style of play this season is very defined and highly particular. Bielsa has encouraged the Whites to play aggressive, intense, high-pressing football. Throughout this campaign, Roofe has played a key role within this system.
The attacker has the stamina, energy and work rate to relentlessly harry opponents and defend from the front. Whoever comes into the starting XI to replace the Englishman must replicate his contribution in this regard.
Maintaining the intensity
In recent weeks, following the return to fitness of 25-year-old No. 9 Patrick Bamford, Roofe has dropped deeper, into the No. 10 role behind the striker.
Bamford will likely start against Bolton, meaning it is in this No. 10 berth where Roofe must be replaced. The two most obvious candidates for this vacancy are Tyler Roberts and Pablo Hernandez.
The 33-year-old Hernandez would bring a great deal of guile and invention to this task. However, 20-year-old Roberts could provide more energy.
Bielsa should give the younger man the chance to shine on Saturday. At this stage in the season, it is vital that Leeds can maintain their intensity, and the inclusion of Roberts gives them their best chance of doing so.
