Stuart Dallas: Leeds employee details ‘massive blow’ to ‘irreplaceable’ star
Stuart Dallas is “irreplaceable” for Leeds United and his injury absence will be a “massive blow”, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the versatile 30-year-old is a “very important and consistent” star in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Dallas limped off in the ninth minute of Leeds United’s 3-0 loss against Everton on Saturday (12 February), with Bielsa offering no prognosis for the Northern Ireland ace post-match.
Dallas has started 106 of the Whites’ last 107 league games.
He has been ever-present since their return to the Premier League, missing just 21 minutes of action in the top flight.
As per Transfermarkt, the 30-year-old has played in six different positions for Bielsa this term as Leeds United bear the brunt of injuries across the squad.
Whelan suggested Dallas’ withdrawal played a significant part in Saturday’s defeat at Goodison Park.
“It’s a massive blow,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Once again, the injury list grows at Leeds United. He’s a very important, consistent player – and someone who can play in a lot of positions.
“He’s been so important for two or three seasons now and the energy he brings to our side is irreplaceable.
“He’ll be sorely missed if it’s long term. I’m sure they’ll be assessing him this week and deciding whether he will need a recovery window.
“Him going off early in the game was crucial for the game. It helped push Everton on while just holding Leeds back.”
Dallas has played 256 times for Leeds United since joining in 2015, scoring 28 goals.
Saturday’s defeat means the Whites sit six points clear of relegation danger with a game in hand on 18th-placed Norwich.
In other news, Kevin Phillips suggests Leeds United could be “haunted” by “bizarre” Bielsa decision.