Michael Brown

Sat 30 January 2021 8:00, UK

Michael Brown has admitted Marcelo Bielsa is right to be worried about Diego Llorente’s mental state after another devastating Leeds United injury setback.

The former Leeds midfielder, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it could be “very tough” to get your head right when dealing with niggling problems and suggested it is worse than having one major injury blow ruling a player out for nine months.

Speaking after the win at Newcastle, as quoted by journalist Phil Hay, Bielsa confirmed he was concerned about the defender’s “state of mind” after yet another setback.

The Spain star picked up a groin injury on international duty early in the campaign before he suffered a hamstring injury after making his debut against Chelsea.

The win at St James’ Park was his first start for the club but his early departure means he has now played just 91 minutes of action for the Whites.

Brown believes Llorente will now have to show an impressive mental fortitude to bounce back after suffering consistently since his move to Elland Road.

Asked how mentally tough it would be for Llorente, Brown told Football Insider: “It’s very tough. You know, sometimes it can be even more frustrating than just actually having that one bad knee injury where it’s six to nine months.

“You can get your head round that, you know where you are and you can see a road back. Ultimately, going back over the same ones can be another test.

“He will have a great support network there at Leeds United and we wish him all the best. You wish and hope that it’s not one that’s going to test his mind too long.” 

Llorente has been joined by the likes of Liam Cooper and Robin Koch in the treatment room this season to give Bielsa a serious headache at centre-back.

The Argentine boss has been forced to play the inexperienced Pascal Struijk and natural right-back Luke Ayling at the heart of the defence in recent weeks.