Leeds United taking no Kalvin Phillips risks despite doubt over Mateusz Klich

Whether Mateusz Klich will be available to take some of his midfield burden is unclear.

Leeds's homegrown holding midfielder is arguably their most difficult player to replace but they have had to do without him in seven matches this season, including one of their most impressive victories, 3-0 at Villa Park in October.

His latest problem is in his calf, and saw him sit out matches against Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton.

“When he got injured, like I told you, he had the options of having a quicker return but his injury is in his calf, a place where we have to avoid he has a recurrence because that would make the situation worse. We're being very cautious so that when he returns, he returns for definite.”

Although Leeds, and certainly their fans, will have ambitions for this season having returned to the top half with Tuesday's impressive 3-0 win over Southampton, there seems little prospect of relegation, which means there is less cause to take risks. England manager Gareth Southgate will also be reassured to hear that the Whites are managing Phillips sensibly, as there is a very good chance of him playing in this summer's European Championships if they do.

Leeds's first-choice central midfield this season has been Phillips, Klich and Rodrigo, and with the Pole coming off in midweek, there is a chance all three could be missing at Elland Road on Saturday.

“Klich is doing pretty well but Rodrigo and Kalvin won't be available this weekend,” confirmed Bielsa, but when pressed on Klich's availability, he said: “I don't know.”

Youngster Jamie Shackleton will be the most likely candidate to step in, with Pascal Struijk likely to come out of defence to deputise for Phillips as Leeds revert from a back three to a four.

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