Marcelo Bielsa delivers triple Leeds injury blow ahead of Brentford clash

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Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-Brentford press conference – as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post – as saying that Liam Cooper, Gjanni Alioski and Barry Douglas are all doubts to face Brentford on Wednesday night.

Leeds play host to the Bees at Elland Road, with Leeds fans desperate to gain revenge on the London-based side who ended their chances of automatic promotion last April with a 2-0 win at Griffin Park.

Pontus Jansson’s move to Brentford has also added spice to the fixture, with the centre-back being sold for – what he claims – were concerns over Financial Fairplay. Jansson is expected to start in a three-man defence for Brentford.

Brentford have started poorly, picking up four points from their first three Championship outings and losing to Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup. Leeds will fancy their chances, but may have to do it without Cooper, Alioski and Douglas.

“We are not sure Cooper, Alioski or Douglas will play the game. We cannot say either way,” Bielsa said.

TBR’s view – Is it a sign of things to come, or pure coincidence?

Leeds struggled with injury last season. It was somewhat the reason they tailed off towards the end of last season, with Bielsa yet to have the luxury of picking from a fully fit squad.

Already, Luke Ayling and Tyler Roberts are on in the physio’s room. Now, Ayling, Douglas and Cooper could be added to that list. Leeds fans will be concerned that could already be signs of a repeat of last season’s injury woes.

Gaetano Berardi is likely to replace Cooper if the skipper is unable to play. Leif Davis, 19, may have to replace Alioski and Douglas at left-back.