Ex-manager: ‘We know how bad it is’ as Leeds star Llorente suffers ‘big, big blow’
Leeds United star defender Diego Llorente has suffered a “big, big blow” after testing positive for Covid-19, according to Alex McLeish.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted it was gutting to hear the 27-year-old could miss some or all of the Euros.
As confirmed on Wednesday morning (9th June), Llorente tested positive and has left the national team’s bubble to isolate.
Meanwhile, Leeds teammate Rodrigo Moreno has been called up as one of four backups after Sergio Busquets’ positive test.
McLeish admitted missing out on a major tournament would be a sucker punch for any player.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We know how bad it is for a player just to be out injured for his club.
“To miss out on something like the European Championships, then it’s part of your life that is gone.
“Obviously he’s got time on his side and he can make it up.
“But that is a big, big blow for him. A big blow.”
Llorente featured as a substitute for Spain’s warm-up game against Portugal earlier this month.
He has eight caps under his belt to date, the first of which came in a friendly against Bosnia in 2016.
He had to wait over two years between his international debut and second appearance, which again came versus Bosnia.
The 2020 signing suffered an injury-plagued first season at Leeds.
He played just twice before late February and ended the campaign with 15 appearances under his belt.
In other news, a north west club have opened talks to sign Leeds United defender.