Whelan thrilled by ‘massive’ Leeds update as two injured stars in contention to return v Liverpool
Noel Whelan has insisted potential injury returns for Dan James and Patrick Bamford will be a “massive plus” for Leeds United.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the return of “more experienced” players will allow the Yorkshire side to combat the threat of Liverpool.
As quoted by Leeds Live on Saturday (18 December), manager Marcelo Bielsa refused to rule out returns for James and Bamford when Leeds United take on Liverpool on Boxing Day.
However, he insisted Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell all have a “long period of recovery ahead”.
Whelan insisted Leeds United can “get the best” out of their potential returnees by “taking the game to Liverpool”.
“Getting any of these more experienced players back is going to be a massive plus for the Leeds United fans and the players,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“You need your best players against the best teams in the league. Liverpool and Man City are the two best sides in the league.
“Their best assets are clinical passing and lethal finishing – so having your best players there to combat that is crucial.
“We saw what happened against Man City when we allowed them to play their game.
“We can’t sit back for 90 minutes. Leeds must take the game to Liverpool. Thats’ how to get the best out of the likes of Raphinha, Bamford, and James.”
Injury-hit Leeds United have slumped to three Premier League losses in a row.
The Whites sit 16th in the top flight – just five points above the relegation zone.
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