Marsch calls on referees to protect his attacking players after Summerville injury

Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch wants more protection for his players after Crysencio Summerville was banned for a month.

Summerville, who burst onto the first-team scene with four league goals in as many appearances before the World Cup break, was sent off with an ankle injury in the draw of the FA Cup last Sunday in Cardiff.

Marsch, whose side play Aston Villa on Friday, said he was unhappy with some of the challenges from Summerville and fellow countryman Willy Gnonto in Cardiff.

"Crysencio Summerville is out for a month with an ankle injury," Marsch said. "The ankle injury sustained in the Cardiff game is a bit of a talking point for me.

"Between the Crees and Willy in particular, the opponents have tried to intimidate them, they are struggling to contain them and I don't think the referees have protected them well enough.

"It made them susceptible to injury. I wish the referees would protect the attackers a bit better."

Marsch said he would not contact the referees' governing body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), directly about the matter.

“I tried to eliminate most discussions about the referees or with the referees, whether in the media or behind closed doors, because I did not find it very useful,” he said. he declared.

Summerville joined striker Luis Sinisterra (foot) in the treatment room, while Marsch confirmed Patrick Bamford will return to the squad for the trip to Villa after recovering from surgery at the groin.

Marsch added: "For me in those moments you feel bad for the Crees. He's in a good moment but he took a hit in Elche that he never came back from and he taken more hits in matches recently.

"It's disappointing because you want the team to have a chance to be at their best with our full roster of players."

Marsch declined to discuss any transfer activity at Elland Road as Leeds close in on a club record deal to sign Hoffenheim striker Georginio Rutter for £35.4million.

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The France Under-21 international is due to travel to Leeds on Thursday night for a medical, according to reports.

Marsch made seven substitutions for the FA Cup third round tie last weekend. Skipper Liam Cooper and goalkeeper Illan Meslier are expected to be back after recovering from muscle strains.

Max Wober, a recent signing from RB Salzburg, is hoping to make his first Leeds start after coming off the bench against Cardiff and Tyler Adams, Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Jack Harrison and Marc Roca are all expected to return to the squad.

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Major League football club DC United, meanwhile, have announced the signing of former Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich on a two-year contract.

Klich, who played a key role in Leeds' promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, left the club earlier this month in search of more playing time.

DC United boss Wayne Rooney told the US club's official website: "Mateusz is a top-notch midfielder who will add top-level experience to our team.

"I've been watching him since helping Leeds to promotion to the Premier League and his vision, passing range and scoring ability will be a huge asset to us this season."

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