Leeds United defender Barry Douglas is reportedly close to a return from injury.
In comments reported by Leeds Live, Marcelo Bielsa suggested that Barry Douglas will return for Leeds’ under-23s next week seemingly in the hope of being ready to play for the first-team against Norwich.
Gjanni Alioski has arguably enjoyed one of his best runs in the side since filling in at left-back. But if Douglas can recapture the form that he showed at Wolves last year, there is no doubt that his return will be a huge boost for the Championship leaders.
And if Douglas comes through the under-23 game and subsequent training sessions unscathed, and Leeds suffer no further setbacks before they face their promotion rivals, then perhaps Bielsa will be handed what must be considered a startling opportunity.
Perhaps there is a chance that Leeds fans will finally get to see what could arguably be considered their strongest lineup for the first time this season.
Of course, fans will debate what the Whites’ best lineup looks like.
But on the basis that it arguably currently consists of Kiko Casilla; Luke Ayling, Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper, Barry Douglas; Kalvin Phillips; two of either Mateusz Klich, Adam Forshaw and Pablo Hernandez in the middle; two of either Hernandez, Gjanni Alioski and Jack Clarke out wide; and Kemar Roofe up front, it appears that Bielsa may finally get a chance to show how good his side could be.
Even if you replace Casilla with Bailey Peacock-Farrell on the basis that the former is yet to make his debut, Bielsa is still yet to pick a starting 11 consisting of those 12 players.
It is a staggering thought when you consider how well Leeds have played at times this season.
But if Douglas makes his return in just over a week and the rest of the team avoid any injuries – which is, on this season’s evidence, is no guarantee – then perhaps Leeds may finally put together what, on paper, is arguably their strongest lineup.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
