Newcastle defeat confirmed how much Leeds have actually missed Liam Bridcutt

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Leeds’ unbeaten run was brought to an end by the Championship leaders at Elland Road.

Liam Bridcutt

After Leeds went into the international break situated in the Championship’s top six having just beaten promotion contenders Norwich City at Carrow Road, some questioned whether Liam Bridcutt could expect to go straight back into the team following his return from injury.

The midfielder has not played for the Whites since their victory over Blackburn back in September due to a foot problem, but will soon be back in training, according to a recent report from the Yorkshire Evening Post.

But while it would be harsh on the likes of Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips if they were dropped given their recent form – Leeds have won eight of their previous 12 games in all competitions since Bridcutt’s last appearance – the club’s defeat to Newcastle arguably confirmed that the 27-year-old still has to be a key man for Garry Monk’s side if they hope to capitalise on their promising start to the season.

Leeds United’s Rob Green reacts after Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle scores their second goal

Though no midfielder could have done much about the Magpies’ first goal at Elland Road, the second goal perhaps could have been prevented had Bridcutt been on the pitch.

The former Sunderland man often reads the game exceptionally so it would not have been a surprise if he was able to break up the brilliant move that ultimately led to Dwight Gayle beating Rob Green for a second time.

And with Leeds facing a hugely daunting run of fixtures over the next few weeks – they face the likes of Aston Villa, Brighton and Reading and have an EFL Cup tie away at Liverpool on the horizon – they will know that they will probably have to soak up a lot of pressure if they hope to come through that period still in a strong position.

And given the support he often provides to the back four, the next month is a chance for Bridcutt to prove that those who questioned his value to the side during his absence were wrong to do so.