Leeds United v Leicester City - Jamie Shackleton lined up for first Premier League start

Filling the boots of Kalvin Phillips, who injured his shoulder against Wolverhampton Wanderers shortly after being elevated into the England team is not an easy task but as Bielsa demonstrated at Villa Park last week, he is not afraid to rely on young players.

In the case of Pascal Struijk, it backfired on the night, the Belgian substituted after 21 minutes having been yellow-carded in the early stages and narrowly escaped another. Undeterred, Bielsa threw Shackleton on in his place, and he produced an assured performance in the 3-0 win.To watch him that night, it was hard to believe he had only nine minutes of Premier League experience – albeit at Anfield on the opening weekend – to his name.

But Shackleton had shown Bielsa what he was capable of in eight Championship starts and 33 substitute appearances, and the fact they came at a lower level made little difference to his coach.

“He’s played in the first team before and every time he has played, he has played with personality and done a good job,” reasoned the Argentinian.

As for Struijk, whose unfortunate slip deputising for Liam Cooper in his preferred central defensive position at home to Wolves was a contributing if not decisive factor in the only goal, Bielsa has no concerns about a hangover from his difficult evening at Villa.

It leaves a straight choice between the two 21-year-olds for the holding midfield role at home to Leicester City.

“He reacted in a normal manner and I gave an explanation to him and the whole team,” explained Bielsa.

Bringing through their own players has always been part of what Leeds are about, and remains so under Bielsa.

“It’s very important as the academy contributes a large number of players to the first team,” he said.

Sometimes Bielsa can be quite open about the selection he is planning for a game, but addressing the media on the Friday before a Monday match, he was reluctant to commit to anything.

Raphinha, a 23-year-old winger bought from Rennes on international deadline day, made impressive cameos from the bench against Wolves and Villa, but his coach was dropping no hints about whether he too could make a first Premier League start against the Foxes. With Helder Costa and Jack Harrison having started the season in such good form – Harrison was particularly influential against Villa – it may be the Brazilian has to be patient.

Still, for all the talk of youth, the return of experience is welcome and captain Cooper is ready to play for the first time since picking up an abductor injury on international duty with Scotland.

“Cooper is fine now but (Diego) Llorente won’t be fit for this weekend,” explained Bielsa.

“He’s at a very good level but I haven’t picked the XI yet. Being able to count on him is something very good.”

Right-back Luke Ayling played in the centre of defence to compensate for Cooper’s absence against Villa, whilst left-winger Ezgjan Alioski played at full-back.

Leicester have defensive problems for Monday, with central defender Jonny Evans missing Thursday’s Europa League win at AEK Athens, and not expected to return at Elland Road. Right-back Timothy Castagne is also set to miss the behind-closed-doors game, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, after escaping the clutches of pay-per-view.

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