Liam Cooper set for Leeds United FA Cup return but Diego Llorente is being handled with care

Midfielder/forward Tyler Roberts will be missing at Broadfield Stadium, but coach Marcelo Bielsa insists the Wales international is still a big part of his plans.

Captain Cooper has missed the last three matches of a season that has been disrupted by minor injuries. Summer signing Llorente has had similar difficulties, making his full debut slightly ahead of schedule at Stamford Bridge in December, and picking up another problem in it, then a setback in his recovery. With that in mind, he is unlikely to play at the weekend if Leeds can avoid it.

“Liam is in condition to play whilst Llorente is also in condition to play if needed but we're being more cautious with him,” confirmed Bielsa.

“Tyler Roberts is not available for this game but when he's available he always has the option to acquire minutes in the first team.

“When Tyler is available he has always been part of the 18-man squad. I don't ignore there's a 20-man squad now (both in the Premier League and domestic cups) but I say 18 because it reiterates his importance.”

Roberts has been linked in some quarters with a move away in January, but Bielsea says he has no plans for that.

“Tyler has always been in my plans,” he insisted. I value you him in a football point of view and in a football aspect. He has an important role inside our team.

“It is true he is having difficulties to have continuity (of matches). For me he is a player who is full of resources and very important for us.”

Roberts has started three games this season, one in the League Cup, and come off the bench six times.

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