‘The real Leeds’ to return after ‘game-changing’ development in last 24 hours – Whelan
Noel Whelan has claimed “the real” Leeds United could be back as Marcelo Bielsa’s injury-ravaged squad returns to fitness.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the recoveries of key stars could be a “game-changer” for the Elland Road side.
Leeds United confirmed yesterday (23 December) that their trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Boxing Day is postponed following a number of positive COVID-19 cases within the club’s ranks.
The Whites’ next fixture is slated to take place on 28 December against Aston Villa, giving the likes of Patrick Bamford and Dan James more time to return from their respective injury problems.
Whelan insisted Leeds United could “compete” again if a number of key stars make returns.
“Even with a full squad we would have really struggled against these top four sides,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“You just wonder now, once we have this break and some of those nine first-teamers come back in – how much can we turn it around?
“Injuries haven’t helped at all. Once we start getting these players back, we will see more and more of the real Leeds. We’ll be able to compete against teams – our full squad would beat a lot of teams in and around us on their day.
“We’ve got to make sure we get these key players back and keep them fit until the end of the season. Missing one player is detrimental, missing nine all at the same time – that’s an absolute game-changer.”
Leeds United sit a lowly 16th in the Premier League.
The Whites have shipped 14 goals in their last three games.
In other news, Leeds United are lining up a January move for EFL star man after asking price reveal.