Djed Spence freeze out mooted as Leeds star could struggle after injury setback
Paul Robinson, a former England goalkeeper, is delighted to be joining us as our exclusive columnist each week, covering the biggest stories at Leeds United. Robinson predicts that Djed Spence will face a “free-out” from the starting 11 at Elland Road following his recent injury setback.
Spence’s loan from Tottenham was viewed as a major coup, as the right-back had been performing well in the Championship with promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest. Despite his difficulties in North London, Spence’s knee injury has left him out of action for the next four weeks. This has left Spence struggling to break into the established starting 11 that has been instrumental in Leeds’ success in his absence. The next month will be decisive in determining Spence’s place in the squad.
Robinson thinks he is anxious to see what the 23-year-old can provide to the team despite being unable to see where he would fit in Daniel Farke’s starting lineup. He made mention of the need for strong squad depth at this point in the season and gave the impression that Spence would soon play.
When asked which Leeds player he would like to see more of, Robinson answered exclusively to MOT Leeds News, “The two that leap out are, are Jaidon Anthony and Spence, but it’s difficult when the team’s playing so well. At this point in a Championship season, squad depth is crucial.
“We know the tough ask of a Championship season and it’s long international breaks, players will get injured, players will get suspended.
“Spence is the one that you look at and you think where’s he going to play? Where would the manager play him at the moment? Does he play him in that hybrid midfield role as well?
“He’s got great attacking quality that he could bring to the side. He raised a few eyebrows when he came in and people thought that’s a great signing. But injuries have blighted his start at Leeds.
“There’s a lot of players that will be utilised between now and the end of the season, him being one of them.”