Leeds have lost two signings to injuries in under-23 games. Do they need to be safer or is it just bad luck?
Leeds United are cursing their luck after losing Jamal Blackman for the season to a broken leg.
Blackman was injured in an under-23 match last week, which he was playing in to gain match sharpness.
It was unfortunate, and the second such blow Leeds have suffered in similar circumstances this season.
£7 million summer signing Patrick Bamford got injured in early September in an under-23 match after his knee buckled. He is not due back until January.
This saw some fans question Bielsa’s decision to play him in the game in the first place.
The Argentine stuck to his guns, insisting Bamford needed the game time.
The same was true of Blackman, and both decisions have proved costly.
The alternative is for Bielsa to stop sending his first team players to the under-23s for matches.
Even if a third player receiving an injury is unlikely, Leeds would reduce the risk by changing their policy.
Bielsa may argue that his players will be less prepared for first team action if they do not have the opportunity.
Leeds can write these two injuries off as unfortunate, and continue as they are.
If a third player goes down in similar circumstances, Leeds may have no alternative than to make a firm decision and agree with Bielsa to change his approach, because the club’s squad is not built to lose key first team options for long spells of the season.
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