Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United head to Millwall this weekend, with a worrying injury list beginning to develop at Elland Road.

Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton have just been added to it, with Adam Forshaw and Pablo Hernandez also missing the trip.

Tyler Roberts and Luke Ayling are back in the fold, but there’s some concern about the importance of the players missing.

We discuss this in the latest FLW Six Point Opinion… 

Firstly, how have these injuries come about?  

“Forshaw and Hernandez have been missing for a period now, with the former’s comeback at Charlton clearly aggravating the issue he had.

“Whilst Leeds have been managing without them, Cooper and Shackleton picked up their problems in the win over West Brom midweek.

“Cooper is facing six weeks out and Shackleton four, with the captain’s setback looking the most problematic for the team.”

Who is likely to come into the side?

“Helder Costa will continue in Hernandez’s place, whilst Gaetano Berardi is likely to come in alongside Ben White in the absence of Cooper.

“Bielsa’s real problem comes in the midfield; Shackleton had replaced Forshaw in that position, and now with both on the sidelines, there are a couple of things to consider.

“Tyler Roberts could come in, but he’s a very attacking option away from home. It’s far more likely that Stuart Dallas will move into the centre of midfield, with Luke Ayling returning at right-back.

“That adds a little bit more height to the team defensively as well.” 

How much of a concern is it heading to Millwall?  

“Losing Cooper is always a concern for Leeds; he’s their captain, a natural ball-playing centre-half on the left and brilliant in the air.

“Given Leeds’ struggles dealing with set-pieces this season, it is even more of a blow. That’s why I feel Ayling will come back in, just to add some height to the back-four.

“Without Forshaw and Hernandez, Leeds aren’t as composed. However, in Costa, you’ve got a slightly different option on the break, which is never a bad thing.

“Then, as well as Shackleton has been doing, I feel Leeds can cope without him.”

How will Millwall look to exploit these losses?

“Millwall will do what they always do against Leeds, despite Neil Harris walking away this week.

“It’ll be an arm-wrestle, they’ll be physical and direct. Set-pieces are a concern when Cooper is about, so with him out, Millwall might have some joy there, but you feel they’d be looking to exploit that even with the skipper in the side.” 

So, how are you expecting the Whites to get on at the Den?

“History tells us that Leeds won’t get three points, they’ve got an awful record at Millwall and haven’t tasted victory there since Neil Warnock was in-charge.

“However, with Harris leaving this week, Leeds will feel confident of getting at least a point.

“If they can score first, expect them to win, even with their tendency to throw away late goals.” 

Finally, do you see these developing injuries hindering Leeds across the season? 

“It’s all a little bit concerning for Bielsa, not just this weekend at Millwall, but beyond.

“We all know how much an injury tally of over 50 hindered Leeds last season, and they just can’t afford for the same thing to happen this year.

“As Roberts and Ayling return, suddenly four more are in the treatment room, which is annoying.

“Time will tell whether things continue like this, but Leeds and Bielsa are due some luck.”

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