Marcelo Bielsa Leeds
Leeds United’s preparations to take on West Ham have been hit by a plethora of injury concerns in the build-up to Saturday’s match. Patrick Bamford is the latest Leeds man to be ruled out of the match at Elland Road following an ankle injury. The England international joins Diego Llorente and Robin Koch on the sidelines with Pascal Struijk missing out through suspension. Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa confirmed the injury absences in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon. There are also concerns in the Leeds camp over the fitness of Lukie Ayling and Raphinha who sat out the mid-week Carabao Cup clash with Fulham. Bielsa did not provide an update on Ayling or Raphinha other than to say their rehabilitation continues
Marcelo Bielsa said: “Don’t think I’m holding back information, but my first response on Koch, Llorente and Bamford not participate. These three cases, apart, subject to evolution on whether that will allow them to participate. If I said they would definitely play or not, neither would be certain.”
Jack Harrison is available for selection following a positive test for Covid-19, but there is a doubt about his fitness due to missing training whilst in isolation.
Marcelo Bielsa said: “Harrison would be in condition to play with the protocol. Just because the rules say he can does not mean he will be ready to play.”
West Ham on the other hand have little in the way of injury concerns. Ryan Fredericks is the only man out of the clash after limping off against Manchester United on Thursday evening.
