Leeds United ace ruled out of clash v West Brom due to EFL protocol

Leeds United ace Leo Hjelde has been ruled out of the upcoming Championship clash against West Brom due to English Football League (EFL) protocol, according to Yahoo.

The publication reported on its website on Wednesday (16 August) that the left-back suffered a concussion in Whites training on Tuesday (15 August).

And protocol rules dictate that the 19-year-old cannot play against the Baggies at Elland Road on Friday (18 August), Yahoo added.

The defender has played 90 minutes so far this season; 45 minutes against Cardiff City in the league and 45 against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup.

“Hjelde – linked with a move to Italian club Salernitana this week – suffered a concussion injury in training on Tuesday, with protocol rules dictating that he will sit out the Elland Road encounter with the Baggies,” according to Yahoo.

Major blow

Hjelde’s future at Elland Road may be uncertain, but for now he remains an important player for the Whites, mainly because of the current injury crisis at the club.

The youngster may not be a regular starter under Daniel Farke, but he has filled in when required so far this season.

His injury blow comes amid injuries to the likes of fellow defenders Junior Firpo and Liam Cooper, while further up the pitch Patrick Bamford, Crysencio Summerville, Tyler Adams and Stuart Dallas are sidelined.

On top of those issues, Farke has had to deal with the futures of wantaway trio Willy Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra and Helder Costa, who are currently training away from the first team at Thorp Arch.

The West Yorkshire club are yet to win from their first two Championship matches of the new campaign, drawing 2-2 at home to Cardiff City before losing 1-0 away to Birmingham City.