Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa had already confirmed that young talent Jack Clarke would continue his comeback from illness with a second Under 23 game yesterday evening as we faced Fulham in the Premier League Cup.
The 18-year-old talent continues to be given the kid glove treatment following his previous collapse following a virus, but with one game and training already under his belt, plenty of fans were hoping that with another solid run out on Thursday evening, he could potentially come back into Bielsa’s thoughts for the bench this weekend for the promotion battle against Sheffield United.
Clarke didn’t start the game but came on in the second half as a substitute and Ryan Edmondson had given us a 1-0 lead in the 44th minute from the penalty spot. Second half was lively as goalkeeper Harrison Male saw red, and Fulham quickly made it 2-1. Brown scored to tie it up at 2-2 and the game couldn’t find a winner in extra time, so onto penalties.
I’m timering this for the morning, so I don’t have a breakdown but Gaetano Berardi hit the winning spot kick to send us through.
???? LEEDS ARE THROUGH! Berardi scores the winning penalty after Santa-Clase misses in sudden death! pic.twitter.com/YX9OJF35qE
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 14, 2019
The game also saw starts for Izzy Brown, Mats Bogusz, Hugo Dias, Barry Douglas and Gaetano Berardi. Jamie Shackleton came on with Clarke in the second half.
Having come through unscathed unless I missed something, ahead of the game fans were hoping for a bench return at least.
Really hope he makes the bench on sat. He’d be such a weapon from the bench.
— Josh Hobbs (@JoshAHobbs) March 14, 2019
We might actually have a fully fit squad for the final few games
— ZL (@SupremeJansson) March 14, 2019
Brilliant news
— Ron (@ronaallleeds) March 14, 2019
Has to be on the bench surely ????
— Danny (@Danny96328777) March 14, 2019
Has to be on the bench . He would prevent blades defenders bombing forward . Only lad on bench to instantly create and be dangerous
— Dave kemp (@kempdavid1975) March 14, 2019
ravaged by injuries all season looking like a fully fit squad available when it matters most …. if that’s not a sign I don’t know what is ????????????
— Martin Cooney (@Cooney9Martin) March 14, 2019