Six matches may already be under Leeds United’s belt since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, but Georginio Rutter was working to a far different timeline before he arrived. Former club Hoffenheim are only gearing up for their first match in more than two months this weekend.
The French forward’s last competitive fixture came in the Bundesliga outfit’s November 12 defeat. Like Max Wober, Rutter has come into Elland Road some way short of the match sharpness he needs.
While Rodrigo and Wilfried Gnonto are fit and firing there is less urgency in blooding Rutter sooner rather than later. However, that does not dampen the hopes and expectations of a fan base champing at the bit to see their record signing as soon as possible.
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Brentford visit Elland Road in a 2pm kick-off on Sunday and Rutter is expected to be available for selection. Marsch would not set his plans out in stone for the new number 24, but a debut looks more than possible against the Bees.
“We're still getting him to 100 per cent fitness and then he will adapt quickly,” said Marsch. “I would anticipate he's in the squad and then maybe we'll think about using him from the bench.”
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