Beren Cross now shares 'disaster' for Leeds man who has only just returned from injury – report

Leeds United correspondent Beren Cross labelled Leo Hjelde’s return to action as a ‘disaster’ following a big mistake for the under-23s.

Hjelde had been missing since February after suffering a knee injury in a 3-0 defeat to Everton. The 18-year-old required surgery on the issue, with Jesse Marsch unsure at the time if the youngster would definitely make a return before the end of the season.

However, the versatile defender has made brilliant progress and returned to the bench under Marsch in the 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

Cross reported on the Leeds under-23s’ clash with West Ham on Monday, with Hjelde getting the nod from the off. January signing Mateo Joseph marked his first Whites start with a goal, but West Ham were level shortly after, with Cross describing it as a ‘disaster’ by Hjelde.

The defender made a big mistake playing out from the back which was punished and made way for Kris Moore at half-time, with Leeds eventually falling to a 5-1 defeat.

Hjelde is clearly rated highly by Whites officials following his move from Celtic in the summer. Marcelo Bielsa handed him a senior debut back in January and Marsch was quick to have him back on the bench at the first possible opportunity.

His return to action for the under-23s didn’t go to plan, but he’ll need more minutes to build up his fitness and match sharpness over the coming weeks, with a view to breaking through to the first team more prominently in Marsch’s first full season in charge.

In other news: Phil Hay has his say on ‘horrible’ Leeds ace who Marsch and Orta now want to offload.

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