Getting away from Leeds United and upping his game to hold off the tide of talent asking for his shirt, is top of the bill for Jack Harrison. With no competitive match for six weeks, Jesse Marsch has granted his squad a full week’s rest away from Thorp Arch.
Harrison is among those savouring the chance to recuperate his mind and body before the grind starts again. The winger missed the final match before the World Cup despite travelling to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
One day earlier, Marsch had said the former Manchester City man was a doubt because of a muscle strain picked up after the Wolverhampton Wanderers cup clash. This break will give Harrison chance to heal and then stake his case for returning to the line-up for the visit of his former club in December.
READ MORE: 'Perfect' Joel Robles hitting the mark as Jesse Marsch makes Leeds United number one claim
“It’s important for everyone to get some rest, to try and get away for a week, then I’ll be back training again for another week,” he told the club programme this month. “I will use the time to try and make sure I am able to step up again, increase my levels in different ways.
“I am sure we’ll be working hard at Thorp Arch, pushing to get stronger, faster, fitter and working hard. I know how important it can be both physically and mentally as well to have time off, but after a week or so I start to get an itch to get back to training and get on the ball.”
Wilfried Gnonto replaced the injured Harrison at the weekend, though Sam Greenwood is another player to stick his hand up for a start in recent weeks. Crysencio Summerville’s form and Harrison’s recent slump have put pressure on the latter to keep his place.
The 25-year-old has neither scored nor assisted since the win over Chelsea and it’s felt like a while since Harrison was hitting his best form for Leeds. Harrison has always been relied on as one of the hardest workers and best pressers in the team, but his attacking impact has waned in the final third.
Harrison is in a race to put himself ahead of Summerville or Rodrigo in the pecking order before Patrick Bamford and Luis Sinisterra are fit enough to ask the sternest selection questions of Marsch.
READ NEXT:
How Rasmus Kristensen shook off poor Leeds United start with team's hardest task
Cody Drameh's Leeds United status report with his absence explained ahead of the break
Leeds United's best XI right now as Jesse Marsch's wing battle intrigues
Leeds United's Daniel James plays down Wales' World Cup clash with England
Leeds United transfer plans coming together as Jesse Marsch hints at changing January habit
