Phil Hay delivers injury boost regarding Leeds player ahead of Chelsea trip

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Phil Hay has told his Athletic podcast that he expects Pascal Struijk to be back in the Leeds United squad ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, after missing the 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Patrick Bamford’s injury-time equaliser prompted pandemonium in the Elland Road stands last Sunday. But soon after, that high was immediately brought back down to Earth, with numerous injuries reported.

Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and goalscorer Bamford all suffered hamstring injuries against Brentford – joining the soon-to-be returning Robin Koch on the sidelines. It remains to be seen how long they will be out.

Struijk, 22, missed the draw with Brentford – failing to even get on the bench. The left-footed defender was suffering with a knock – but even Marcelo Bielsa said in his pre-Brentford presser he could be available.

Ahead of Chelsea, Struijk’s name was not mentioned until Hay reported in his podcast that the injury was “very, very minor” and that he expects to see him in the squad against Chelsea.

“Sunday was looking almost fully fit, with the exception of Robin Koch. Struijk was out, but Struijk was very, very minor. I think he will be back in this weekend,” Hay said.

Hay on Struijk: Leeds desperately need defender against Chelsea

With Cooper now sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Koch still on the sidelines, Leeds desperately need a defender. Diego Llorente is the only other option, who is actually fit.

If Struijk is available, it is a seamless inclusion in the side, replacing Cooper. But if he is unavailable, Luke Ayling will have to come into centre-back – having only just returned from injury himself.

That means Stuart Dallas at right-back, and perhaps Mateusz Klich starting in midfield alongside Adam Forshaw. Bielsa will be hoping that Struijk is available, as it saves reshuffling the entire side.