Journalist Pete O’Rourke has identified just how much of a miss Stuart Dallas will be for Marcelo Bielsa after he picked up an injury last weekend against Everton.
Stuart Dallas has been a mainstay in the Leeds United side as he has started ever single Premier League game so far. And, with first-team regulars such as Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford already being side-lined due to injury, Dallas’ services have been greatly needed.
O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT that Leeds will be hoping that Dallas’ injury is not ‘serious’ due to the lack of squad depth that the Whites find themselves with.
“Leeds have been badly hit with injuries and they’ll be hoping that Dallas’ injury is not too serious because there is not a lot of cover, with Firpo also side-lined. So, It’s a problem Marcelo Bielsa could do without.” O’Rourke reported.
Replacement right-back?
Although Dallas is set to only miss one Premier League game for now after he sustained an injury, which is the clash with rivals Manchester United. Marcelo Bielsa will have to find a suitable replacement right-back.
Luke Ayling is the only other recognisable right-back in the first team squad, so he will have to act as a replacement in the game against United tomorrow afternoon.
Bielsa failed to sign anyone in the January transfer window, and the board may be regretting this as they now have little cover in many areas of the pitch due to injury, including right-back.
Could Victor Orta have strengthened the side’s defensive options last month?
Opportunity for youth player?
Marcelo Bielsa has spoken out in the past that he has trust in the youth players, and he has handed eight teenagers their first-team Premier League debuts.
With Luke Ayling being the only other right-back in the squad, there could be an opportunity at least on the bench for a young right-back.
Kris Moore has been the right-back for the under’23s in the PL2 this season, but has yet to make an appearance for the first-team. This Sunday could be a chance for Bielsa to make offer the ninth first-team debut and give Moore his opportunity.