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Leeds United have been told to consider loaning out young striker Sam Greenwood once the injury issues ease at Elland Road.

The 2021/22 season has been a difficult one for Leeds. While they have finally managed back-to-back wins for the first time this season, Bielsa’s side have been decimated by injuries. Indeed, they were without eight first-team regulars during Sunday’s game at West Ham, filling their bench with untested kids.

One of those areas most badly affected has been in attack. Indeed, they have been forced to play winger Dan James in an unorthodox central role. That’s with Patrick Bamford, Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt all currently injured.

To eleviate their stresses, however, Rodrigo Moreno was fit enough to come off the bench in their 3-2 win at West Ham.

That said, Greenwood himself was another absentee having undergone a minor operation.

And while Leeds’ squad remains light on numbers, Greenwood looks unlikely to go anywhere.

However, Leeds did knock back a number of summer enquiries for the player. And, with right-back Cody Drameh recently departing to gain more game time – against Bielsa’s wishes – Noel Whelan thinks a temporary move away for Greenwood would also be beneficial.

Loan would be beneficial

“There are a few young players there that probably need to do the same (as Drameh),” Whelan told Football Insider.

“I think Greenwood is in that same mould as well. He needs to learn a little bit more about himself.

“You can see that he did struggle a little bit with that step from under-23s to playing in the FA Cup against a Premier League side.

“Yeah, so I think he’s another player where that sort of invaluable experience will do him the world of good and will help the club as well.

“You’re developing the player into a man who can cope with the demands of the league.

“I would say we got our loan experience, back in our day, through the reserves. We were playing against men. When you look at it that way, I had to learn a lot about myself.

“I learned how to hold myself against bigger people and stronger people. More experienced players that have been around in the league for a long time but then found themselves in the reserves.”

Ranked: The top six Leeds U23s stars by Google search and who is most likely to succeed under Bielsa

Bamford tips Sam Greenwood for success

Meanwhile, Greenwood was, earlier this season, one of three Under-23s stars at Leeds tipped to push for the first team this season.

Speaking back in October after England U21s had impressed against Italy, Bamford said: “My moment to the week was England’s under-21, the equaliser against Italy, it was made in Leeds.

“We had Cody Drameh on the right, crossed it in, little flick from Sam Greenwood and then Lewis Bate finishes in the bottom left.”

That too caught the eye of Bamford, appearing in his regular guest slot.

And he reckons the trio are pushing hard for a place in the first team at Leeds.

“Yeah, they’re close,” Bamford said. “I think what the gaffer has shown is that anyone who earns their chance will be given it. People who work hard will be given a chance. He’s not afraid to put the young ones in if they deserve it.”

READ MORE: Leeds see initial £15m offer for RB Salzburg star snubbed but still chasing deal

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