Freelander 1.8 k series engine, I noticed a small coolant leak with a damp patch under the car on Sunday so put some cardboard under overnight it was dry the next morning and i couldn't see any leaks, this morning i see another damp patch.

I can see that the bottom of the engine is damp under were the engine number is stamped into the engine and water dripping from under the car, it's not a big leak just a small drip.

I've checked the hoses around were they join the thermostat in front of the radiator and the seal of the coolant elbow this all looks dry, the drips of water looks to be coming from the head gasket were the head meets the block above the serial number.

Is it possible for the head gasket to leak water out of the engine as i can't identify anywhere else it's coming from.

Mine leaked from the head gasket, and sprayed out onto the exhaust manifold when the engine was hot!

Water pumps common. So is inlet manifold

Disco Mikey thats were it is under the exhaust manifold, if you look straight down through the four pipes on manifold the bottom of the engines damp and looks to be coming from the head gasket.

The leak is below the coolant elbow were the hose is connected to the engine, but the seal around the elbow is dry.

So it sounds like what you said if the coolant got hot it would more than likey start to spray out onto the exhaust manifold.

If your inlet manifold is leaking the coolant can track around the head to block joint [HG] and dribble or track down the block right where you are seeing it. Not to bad a job if it's the IL gasket.

Sadly it could also be the HG. Check the oil filler cap for 'mayo' on its underside or signs of oil in the coolant bottle.

Check the former with a dental type mirror and a good light. You can look up from beneath the motor too, with the lower body plate removed of course, and you may see some staining on the back of the block ...

For myself I'd replace the IL gasket and then keep a daily watch for any leak/staining and coolant level drop.