Leeds United teenager Jack Clarke has featured just once for the Whites this season, in their Carabao Cup tie against Salford City, and it appears he may face a frustrating season due to an EFL restriction.

The 18-year-old played an important role under Marcelo Bielsa last season, making 23 appearances, and regularly being thrown on at half-time by the Argentine coach to add attacking emphasis.

Clarke’s performances earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in July, though he re-joined Leeds on a one-year loan deal.

The teenager’s move was one of six loan signings Leeds made in the summer, with wingers Jack Harrison and Helder Costa, defender Ben White, striker Eddie Nketiah and goalkeeper Illan Meslier all joining on temporary deals.

That causes a selection issue for Marcelo Bielsa, as the EFL rules on players state that only five on-loan players can be included in the matchday squad.

With White replacing the departed Pontus Jansson at centre-back, Meslier serving as back-up goalkeeper after Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s exit, Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah replacing Kemar Roofe as one of Bielsa’s two striking options, and Harrison and Costa already featuring regularly on the wing, this may mean Clarke will see significantly less playtime this season.

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The Verdict

This will likely be a concerning one for Tottenham and for Clarke.

Things may change as the season progresses but the other five loanees currently look set for significant roles, which means the 18-year-old may be a casualty of Leeds taking more players on loan than they can involve in their matchday squad.

The teenager returned to Elland Road likely hoping for more first-team minutes this season but at this point, it appears his playtime could be limited.

According to Phil Hay from The Athletic, there are clauses in the loan deal that mean Tottenham can recall him in January so they may look to do that if his involvement does not increase.