Whelan ‘frustrated’ as Leeds hit by new Llorente blow
Leeds United could be forced to promote a youngster to step into Diego Llorente’s shoes against West Ham next week, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 28-year-old’s unavailability will be “frustrating” for manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Llorente and Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season in the 3-1 home win against Burnley on Sunday (2 January).
As a result, the pair have recieved a one-match ban – which is set to be served when the Whites face West Ham in the Premier League on 16 January.
Whelan insisted the suspensions could be a “blow” to Bielsa’s hopes of stringing together consecutive league wins.
“That’ll be frustrating for Bielsa,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’ll be wanting to keep that winning run going and build some momentum going into the second half of the season. Losing those two could be a blow to those hopes.
“Obviously with West Ham coming up in the league and cup, the priority for the Leeds United fans is undoubtedly the Premier League and getting to safety this season.
“However, hopefully one of the under-23 lads can step up at centre-back after impressing in that FA Cup match.”
The Whites face West Ham in the FA Cup on Sunday with Roberts and Llorente both available.
However, centre-backs Charlie Cresswell, Pascal Struijk, and Liam Cooper are all currently on the treatment table at Leeds United.
The Yorkshire side sit eight points clear of the Premier League drop zone after 19 games.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has dropped a ‘£240m’ Leeds United reveal after Andrea Radrizzani’s claim.