Leeds United without four key players for Everton clash as Marcelo Bielsa slams fixture schedule

Marcelo Bielsa has given a fitness update on his Leeds United side ahead of their clash with Everton and has hit out at the lack of recovery time given to his team.

Leeds were involved in a helter-skelter 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday night to put themselves four points ahead of the Blues, having played a game more.

Everton will be looking to respond after their dismal defeat to Newcastle United in midweek, with the Goodison Park crowd sure to play a key role for Frank Lampard’s side.

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The Blues have received a further boost after Leeds boss Bielsa confirmed he would still be without four key players for the trip to Merseyside.

Leeds have been missing their captain Liam Cooper, England midfielder Kalvin Phillips and focal striker Patrick Bamford since December.

While left-back Junior Firpo, signed from Barcelona last summer, has been sidelined for the club’s last two games.

Asked if there were any further absences to his squad, Bielsa said : “No. Phillips, Cooper, Firpo and Bamford like in the game against Aston Villa won't be considered for the game against Everton.”

However, Bielsa was critical of his side’s fixture list given the limited time between their game on Wednesday night and Saturday’s 3pm kick-off - with Everton