Two changes; international returns: Leeds predicted XI vs Chelsea

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Leeds United have been dealt some brutal team news ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Marcelo Bielsa seemed to be closing in on having a fully fit squad for the first time since he took over at Elland Road. Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling returned against Brentford after being sidelined since September.

Bielsa confirmed after the game that Pascal Struijk was finishing his recovery from a knock. And Robin Koch was recently seen in training after several months out.

However, just as Leeds could see light at the end of the tunnel, the footballing gods decided that further frustration was required.

Kalvin Phillips is reportedly facing two months out due to a hamstring injury. Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford meanwhile, both picked up injuries in the draw with Brentford, according to The Telegraph.

Not having Cooper, Phillips and Bamford for the trip to west London is a huge blow. But it also opens the door for some interesting selection dilemmas for Bielsa.

The key decision centres around who replaces Phillips. The most obvious candidate is potentially Stuart Dallas, with Adam Forshaw proving to be a revelation since returning in the number eight position.

Struijk is another option. But he is likely to be needed in the backline with Cooper potentially out.

Struijk and Klich start at Chelsea after Leeds deal with brutal team news

£1.5 million midfielder Mateusz Klich or Rodrigo may come in after starting on the bench on Sunday. In this lineup, Klich gets the tentative nod.

Tyler Roberts has done enough to keep his place up front. And Junior Firpo – who was bright before a mistake against Brentford – should keep his place with Struijk playing in the middle.

With that in mind, here is the potential Leeds lineup in full…

• GK: Illan Meslier
• RB: Luke Ayling
• CB: Diego Llorente
• CB: Pascal Struijk
• LB: Junior Firpo
• DM: Stuart Dallas
• CM: Adam Forshaw
• RW: Raphinha
• AM: Mateusz Klich
• LW: Daniel James
• ST: Tyler Roberts