Ex-manager issues Firpo recall claim after Leeds source’s update
Alex McLeish has tipped Marcelo Bielsa to bring Junior Firpo back into the Leeds United starting XI against Tottenham on Sunday.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 25-year-old has endured a “sticky start” to life at Elland Road but suggested his manager “has faith” in him.
As revealed by Football Insider on Wednesday (17th November), Firpo has fully recovered from his recent injury layoff.
A Leeds source has told this site the left-back is likely to make an immediate return to the starting line-up against Spurs.
Firpo last featured in early October and has missed the Whites’ last five games.
McLeish admitted Leeds fans are yet to see the best of Firpo.
However, he backed Bielsa to give him a chance to impress once again.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We haven’t really seen Firpo at his best. What is his best? That is the question.
“He’s a new player this season, he replaced Alioski who was basically a converted winger. Firpo has had a wee sticky start.
“When Bielsa makes the decision to bring someone back, you know he knows what he’s doing. He’s got faith in the man.”
Firpo has played eight times for Leeds since his summer move from Barcelona.
He picked up his latest injury during one of Bielsa’s infamous ‘murderball’ sessions.
Despite his slow start, Bielsa insisted Firpo can be someone who “shines a lot” in the Premier League.
Stuart Dallas and Pascal Struijk have filled in at left-back during his absence.
In other news, Billy Gilmour has been told to sign for Leeds United by pundit after Tuchel reveal pre-January.