Marcelo Bielsa will be without eight players on Saturday as Leeds United play host to cash-rich Newcastle United. The Leeds boss ruled out Patrick Bamford, Adam Forshaw and Junior Firpo from this weekend’s clash.
Forshaw had been hoping to return despite suffering a hamstring issue against West Ham. Firpo also picked up a hamstring issue in London. Bamford has overcome his muscle issue, but has a new foot problem.
Leeds, then, will be without eight players. With Forshaw, Firpo and Bamford out – Leeds will also be without Charlie Cresswell, Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, Jamie Shackleton and Sam Greenwood on Saturday.
Bielsa will be forced into a reshuffle, with Forshaw and Firpo starting against West Ham last time. Whether Bielsa chooses to hand a start to some returning players, or keep faith in his youngsters, remains to be seen.
Our View: Two changes, Rodrigo starts in the 10, Klich drops back
Utility man Dallas started at right-back at West Ham – but here, he could replace Firpo on the left. With Diego Llorente back from a ban, Luke Ayling can go to the right, and Llorente comes in alongside Pascal Struijk.
In midfield, Forshaw needs replacing. With Rodrigo now back and getting 30 minutes at West Ham, he could start in the 10 role – allowing Mateusz Klich to drop into midfield alongside Robin Koch, who was good in midfield.
Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Dan James combined superbly at West Ham and the trio could start again – even with the return of Joe Gelhardt and Tyler Roberts. Two changes, Llorente and Rodrigo for Firpo and Forshaw.
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