Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Patrick Bamford is banned for the Championship game against Ipswich but there was more bad news with Stuart Dallas and Tyler Roberts doubts for the game.
Bielsa went on to say that there was hope Dallas would play but that the situation with Roberts was more complicated.
It’s not quite a dead rubber, with third place left to play for and a potentially easier play-off semi-final, but Leeds are already guaranteed a play-off spot.
Ipswich, by contrast, are already relegated and are rock bottom of the Championship after a terrible season.
Bielsa was talking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the game at Portman Road.
Bielsa speaking now. Team news – Bamford is banned obviously, Tyler Roberts is doubtful and Stuart Dallas also. Dallas more likely to be available at Ipswich. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 3, 2019
Slightly better news is that both players should be fit for the play-offs.
both should be fit for the play-offs, Bielsa says. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 3, 2019
OPINION
Well this is a big blow, especially with Bamford out and Kemar Roofe still trying to get back to match fitness. Leeds should beat Ipswich, regardless, and finish a season that promised so much on a high note but it’s yet another injury issue that could potentially become worse for Leeds. It’s a shame that the play-off spots have already been confirmed as we were expecting high drama between Leeds, Sheffield United and Norwich. However, this is an opportunity for Leeds to kick on after a return to form against Aston Villa last time out. The 1-1 draw at Elland Road was an explosive match that lit the fuse for one of the most eagerly anticipated play-off finals of all time. Leeds have to get there first, obviously, and third place will probably deliver a semi-final against Frank Lampard’s Derby. These two sides have history too, after Derby started off the whole spygate saga that dominated so many of the headlines earlier in the season. If it’s Derby and then Villa, the play-offs couldn’t have been scripted any better.