Rival Watch: Leeds to be without four first-team stars against Chelsea on Saturday

Marcelo Bielsa to be without 4 players due to injury troubles

Speaking in his press conference (h/t football.london) before the match against Chelsea on Saturday, Marcelo Bielsa revealed that Leeds United will travel to Stamford Bridge without four first-team players due to injury.

Chelsea prepare to face Leeds United in the Premier League in the Blues’ first match in front of their home fans since March.

Chelsea have had a flying start to the season which has seen them lose only one Premier League game. Lampard’s men sit 3rd in the league table, just 2 points both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa will rekindle their rivalry this weekend in the Premier League. (GETTY Images)
Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa will rekindle their rivalry this weekend in the Premier League. (GETTY Images)

Chelsea missed a chance to go top of the Premier League table last weekend when they drew 0-0 to league leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the Blues know that they could go top of the table if they get a positive result against Leeds and if results elsewhere go in their favour.

Leeds United have had a decent start to their season as they sit 12th in the league. Bielsa’s men impressed last weekend as they secured all three points against Everton, courtesy of a winning goal from Raphinha.

However, they will travel to Stamford Bridge without new signing Diego Llorente, who is fit to play but has been asked to train with the Leeds United U-23s to regain match fitness.

Chelsea and Leeds United have enjoyed some historic encounters in the past. (GETTY Images)
Chelsea and Leeds United have enjoyed some historic encounters in the past. (GETTY Images)

The same applies for Adam Forshaw, Jamie Shackleton, and veteran Spanish playmaker Pablo Hernandez, all of whom will be training with the youth team to regain match fitness. (h/t football.london)

Bielsa revealed in his press conference that the players have regained fitness, but are still not match fit.

“When a player goes so long without playing, one of the ways to help his recovery is to propose an activity similar to games in the Premier League. “Knowing that you can manage his game time and the level is a little bit lower. This is the ideal process, especially when players have repeated muscular injuries. Which is the case of Shackleton, Pablo and Llorente.”

On the plus sides for Leeds United, Jack Harrison is expected to shake off a minor leg issue to feature against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. (h/t football.london)