Marcelo Bielsa delivers fresh double injury blow ahead of Leeds play-off v Derby

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Marcelo Bielsa has been quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post as saying that Leeds United have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their play-off first leg against Derby County on Saturday evening.

Leeds eventually finished third in the Championship, while Frank Lampard’s Derby beat Middlesbrough and Bristol City to finish in the last remaining play-off slot. Aston Villa take on West Brom in the other semi-final.

Leeds already have a number of players out, with Barry Douglas and Gjanni Alioski injured, while Patrick Bamford is suspended. Now, Bielsa may have just added two names to that list.

The Argentine manager confirmed that attacking midfielder Tyler Roberts will definitely miss the first leg on Saturday evening, while colossal defender Pontus Jansson is a doubt.

“Dallas will play, Tyler Roberts won’t play. There is a doubt with Jansson, he has a problem with the ankle,” Bielsa said.

TBR’s view

An enormous blow. Firstly, Roberts has been exceptional form and is beginning to make his place in the side his own. He has been superb of late, and losing his speed, eye for goal and quality is a loss.

Leeds also need Jansson to be fit for the match. The Whites are already struggling for options at left-back and that may see Gaetano Berardi have to play on the left side of defence – or now replace Jansson.

It is likely to see Dallas come in at left-back, while Berardi plays in the middle. Adam Forshaw and Matuesz Klich are likely to start in attacking midfield, in front of holding midfielder Kalvin Phillips.