How many players could Leeds United have at the World Cup after Poland make calls on Mateusz Klich and Huddersfield Town's Michael Helik?

Leeds United could have just three of their squad at this winter's World Cup – a crushing disappointment for some but a potential advantage going into the second half of the season.

Poland have surprisingly left Mateusz Klich – and Huddersfield Town's Michal Helik – out for the tournament in Qatar hours after Robin Koch failed to make the cut.

Diego Llorente will still be hoping to make the Spain squad named on Firday but having lost his place in the Leeds team to Koch, it is far from certain.

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Llorente won the last of his ten caps in June, and was an unused substtiute for September's Nations League games.

With the depth of attacking talent available to Luis Enrique, Rodrigo's place is even less certain. The forward has played 27 times for his country, but not in 2022.

A lack of club football this season, with his only starts coming in the League Cup, may have cost Klich his place at Qatar. That was the midfielder's concern when the transfer window was open but coach Jesse Marsch persuaded him to stay.

Two players who leapfrogged him in the Elland Road pecking order, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, have been named by the United States of America, and seem almost certain to face England on November 25 if fit.

OVERLOOKED: Leeds United's Poland midfielder Mateusz KlichOVERLOOKED: Leeds United's Poland midfielder Mateusz Klich
OVERLOOKED: Leeds United's Poland midfielder Mateusz Klich
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Hull-born winger Dan James is in the Wales squad, but he is out on loan at Fulham this season.

Leeds resume their Premier League campaign at Elland Road on December 28, just ten days after the final.

Their opponents, Manchester City, have such a depth of talent they could easily have players involved in the showpiece although their Leeds-born centre-forward Erling Haaland will be resting, with Norway not involved.

Huddersfield's Helik has missed out with Poland opting for five central defenders in their 26-man squad.