Garry Monk discloses reason for Ronaldo Vieira’s absence from Leeds squad for Birmingham win

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Ronaldo Vieira was perhaps a surprise omission from the Leeds United side that took on Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk in the stands

Leeds boss Garry Monk has explained to BBC Radio Leeds that Charlie Taylor and Ronaldo Vieira will be available for the Whites’ clash with Fulham on Tuesday, and disclosed the reason that the latter was left of the squad for the win over Birmingham City on Friday night.

On what promised to be a tough night for Monk’s men, there were perhaps a couple of surprises when the team was announced as neither Taylor or Vieira were included in the squad.

While the fact that the left-back is coming back from injury meant that his omission made some sense, Vieira’s absence led some to question whether he had picked up an injury given his potential and how often he has been used this term.

But following the 3-1 win, Monk confirmed that the pair would not only be ready for the upcoming game at Craven Cottage, but that there was no problem with Vieira in the first place.

Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira

“Yeah, they’re all available [to face Fulham]. Ronny was available for tonight but I have to manage the group how I want to manage them and with young lads you have to sometimes pull them back, to put them back them in,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“Ronny was one of them he could have played and travelled tonight but this is for me to manage all of their situations, manage the group right and what feels best for them and make sure everyone’s ready for the games that come.”

Charlie Taylor was also absent

While Vieira’s absence may have been a concern for Whites supporters as Birmingham dominated much of the game – especially in the middle of the park – the man who took his place on the bench enjoyed a brilliant game once he was brought on.

Kalvin Phillips took many of the plaudits for his display following his introduction at the expense of Eunan O’Kane, which made Monk’s decision to give Vieira a rest seem like an excellent piece of management from the Leeds boss.