Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford will not be playing against Tottenham this weekend.
Bamford and Ayling have both had injury issues in recent months and despite a two week break due to internationals, they’re still not available for selection.
Ayling recently had surgery on his knee, while Bamford has been struggling with an ankle problem.
What’s been said?
Bielsa was asked about Ayling and Bamford’s fitness ahead of the game against Spurs.
“They’re not available for the game on Sunday,” Bielsa said.
The Argentine was unable to give a timeframe on their return.
“The evolution is controlled on a daily basis and I would not want to give you a date that won’t be met. When my responses are brief it’s because I can’t offer certainty.”
Bad news
This is a real blow for Leeds.
The Whites need to get their season back on track after a shaky start and in order to do that, they need to start winning games.
The Yorkshire club have struggled in defence and in attack as of late and the absences of Bamford and Ayling certainly aren’t helping in those areas.
To make matters worse, Ayling’s understudy Jamie Shackleton has also had some fitness problems as of late, so we may have to see Stuart Dallas moved to right-back, which could end up leaving to further problems in the midfield.
Fingers crossed these two don’t remain on the sidelines for too much longer because Leeds are certainly struggling in their absences.
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