Medical expert: Leeds United powerless after Diego Llorente announcement – ‘people don’t realise’
Leeds United are ultimately powerless to stop Diego Llorente from being called up for international duty by Spain.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Llorente, 28, was forced off before halftime with a lower back injury in Leeds’ dramatic eventual 3-2 win at Wolves last Friday (18 March).
As quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post last Sunday (20 March), Jesse Marsch revealed that the centre-back had a “little bit of a back spasm”.
The American manager also said that the eight-cap star would likely remain in West Yorkshire over the international break.
But Leeds announced after the win over Wolves that Llorente has been named in Luis Enrique’s squad for Spain’s upcoming friendlies.
Dinnery explains that the national team and not the club will make the final decision over the defender’s fitness.
“People don’t realise that club can’t rule a player out of an international fixture once they’re included,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“We see players included in the national squad but there is little chance of any involvement.
“They will be checked over by their national team to make sure everything is as it is. They don’t necessarily have to fly off to the clubs.
“There could be someone who comes and makes an assessment. With a back spasm, you need to identify the root cause.
“But inherently it’s not a massive problem. You can take it easy for five to seven days before you focus on getting fit for matchday 31.
Llorente has scored twice in 24 appearances for Leeds in 2021-22.
Spain take on Albania and Iceland in friendlies over the next week.
In other news, Leeds United tipped by ex-manager to complete surprise multiple signings after confession.