Marcelo Bielsa delivers update on five Leeds stars ahead of Bolton clash

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds take on Bolton on Saturday at Elland Road in the Championship.

Marcelo Bielsa has been quoted by Leeds Live in his pre-Bolton press conference as delivering updates on five doubts ahead of the clash – concerning Leeds quintet Jack Clarke, Adam Forshaw, Kemar Roofe, Barry Douglas and Izzy Brown.

Leeds will be looking to make it two wins from two and keep the pressure on both Sheffield United and Norwich City with another win, which would be a 19th win of the season.

Teenage star Clarke is suffering with a virus after being stretchered away during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough, while Roofe suffered a long-term knee injury against Swansea. He is expected to return in April.

Brown has recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury but has been an unused substitute in the last two games, while Forshaw and Douglas are nearing returns. Bielsa delivered updates on the quintet.

“He [Clarke] is not available yet. One change is Roberts for Roofe,” Bielsa said. On Roofe: “We don’t have a final date for his return. It will be between four and eight weeks.”

On Brown: “We don’t have a final date for his return. It will be between four and eight weeks,” while on Douglas and Forshaw: ” Douglas tomorrow with the under-23s. It’s his final step before getting back to the group if everything goes well.

“That’s not the case for Adam Forshaw yet. His injury will need more time. It will be hard for him to come back in the next two games, the same thing for Clarke and Roofe.”

Leeds have a game in hand over the top two sides, but are just two points behind the leaders. Beating Bolton could see the Whites return to the top with a game in hand – but only if their title rivals lose.

Gaetano Berardi is set to feature for the Under-23 side on Friday, while Stuart Dallas is expected to be a part of the 18-man squad for Bolton. Bielsa named his side as below:

Kiko Casilla, Luke Ayling, Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper, Gjanni Alioski, Kalvin Phillips, Pablo Hernandez, Matuesz Klich, Tyler Roberts, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford.