Marsch admits ‘brutal’ Sinisterra point, but warns Leeds star ‘in best form since I’ve been here’ ready

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has admitted that Luis Sinisterra is now aware of the “brutal” reality of elite-level football after his red card.

The Colombian winger will not be available for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace following his two bookings against Aston Villa. Sinisterra enjoyed a strong start to life with the Whites, but will now have his progress halted.

The winger received his second yellow card against Villa last weekend just minutes into the second half at Elland Road.

One pundit has subsequently claimed that Marsch should seriously consider dropping and punishing Sinisterra.

However, Marsch indicated in his latest press conference that he has settled the matter with the 23-year-old. And the American does not expect Sinisterra to make the same mistake.

“We used it as an example,” Marsch said. “We have a young team and we like our group and it will continue to grow and get better.

“I’ve coached young players a lot and you have to be patient at times. It’s brutal but we’re going to help educate them and help them understand what their roles are.

“We still have more to do in terms of savviness. With Luis he knows it was a mistake.”

Marsch tips Summerville to replace Sinisterra

As for who could replace Sinisterra up top for Leeds, Marsch claimed that Crysencio Summerville is the likeliest candidate.

The 20-year-old Dutchman has played a bit-part role for the Whites this season, but is definitely ahead of 18-year-old summer signing Willy Gnonto in the pecking order.

“We feel Cry Summerville is in the best form since I’ve been here,” Marsch said.

“We have Willy and we want to find ways to get him going and Joffy [Joe Gelhardt] made a statement that he should not be left out of the squad, we will miss Luis.”

On the injury front, Marsch confirmed that Stuart Dallas has had an operation and is “doing really well” but is still “a couple of months away”.

Adam Forshaw is a month off returning to action after he had surgery on Thursday. Leo Hjelde had an appendectomy, while Archie Gray is “healing well”.

Marsch said of Palace’s threat under manager Patrick Vieira: “A lot of the mid-table teams are close. We know there’s quality in this league.

“For us we try and stay focused in the moment and if we do that we do as best we can to control the outcome. I have respect for Palace. We’ll be ready.

“[Wilfried] Zaha is their number one threat but if you pay too much attention to him they have so much attacking talent. One v one duels will be important and we’ll need to make sure they’re not getting out of transition and hurting us.”

Leeds need fresh start

Leeds began their season well with three wins from their first four games in all competitions.

But, the third win in that sequence – the 2-1 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup – was their last victory.

Indeed, Leeds have not won in the Premier League since they beat Chelsea at Elland Road.

Instead, they have suffered frustration on a number of fronts, not least Sinisterra’s red card and the 5-2 defeat at Brentford.

Leeds just need a solid away performance to get them back on track, but it will not be easy.

Palace themselves have not won since they beat Oxford United in the Carabao Cup, just like Leeds’ record.

And at Selhurst Park on Sunday, they will no doubt make it tough for their visitors.