Report: Diego Llorente missed Leeds U23 clash after late change of plan

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Diego Llorente was set to feature for Leeds United’s under-23s on Monday before a change in plan, according to a report from The Athletic. 

Llorente has endured a difficult time since arriving at Elland Road. He sustained an injury on international duty before he had made his debut for the Whites.

The 27-year-old made his debut at Chelsea in December. Unfortunately, he picked up another problem in that game and has been sidelined ever since.

The good news is the Spaniard is now back in the fold. Marcelo Bielsa confirmed ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup tie that he was available if needed (via club’s official website).

He was not used in the third round defeat. But it appears that the result has had an impact on the plans for the centre-back.

According to The Athletic, he was set to be involved for Mark Jackson’s youngsters at Burnley. However, he was ultimately missing from the squad.

The report claims that Llorente has suffered no setback. Instead, it is suggested that he is set to take a full part in first-team training ahead of the weekend’s clash with Brighton.

TBR View: Leeds benefit from not risking Llorente against Burnley

Bielsa will be wary of rushing Llorente back. His spell so far has been frustrating. And another setback would be really worrying.

It may alarm some therefore, that the Spain international did not get minutes for the under-23s on Monday. But actually, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

Leeds won 4-1 against the Clarets. But the conditions were not easy for either side. The pitch was cutting up throughout the game, and the weather only made the situation worse.

Given the issues Llorente has had, it may have been a risk to use him against Burnley at what could be such a pivotal moment in his Leeds career.