Big blow: Leeds suffer injury setback ahead of Everton clash, Bielsa will be worried - opinion

Leeds United’s injury crisis is showing signs of easing up but Marcelo Bielsa will still be without several key stars this afternoon, including Junior Firpo…

The Whites head to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Premier League later today and the Argentine has revealed that the first-choice left-back will not travel.

Speaking to reporters during his pre-game press conference on Friday morning, Bielsa said (via LeedsLive):

“[Kalvin] Phillips, [Liam] Cooper, Firpo and [Patrick] Bamford like in the game against Aston Villa won’t be considered for the game against Everton.”

On Firpo specifically, the 66-year-old added:

“He’s healthy but we’re not going to anticipate his return [against Everton]. He’s going to return next week.”

Whilst it is encouraging to hear that the former Barcelona star is close to a return, it is certainly a gutting setback to not have him available for such a crucial game at the foot of the table.

Firpo is Leeds’ only senior left-back and in his absence, utility man Stuart Dallas has had to fill in instead but the side sorely misses his energetic presence in midfield – even more so with Phillips on the treatment table, too.

The 25-year-old had a tough start to the season but really started to evolve into a sturdy and reliable option.

A win over Burnley last month saw supporters hail his performance as his best of the season. He registered five tackles, three clearances and two dribbles during that game, as per WhoScored.

Meanwhile, former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has previously lauded Firpo as ” incredibly fit, quick and strong” and “really athletic” to Football Insider, which makes him an ideal fit for Bielsa and his system.

As such, the Argentinian head coach will be a little worried