Marcelo Bielsa’s squad at Elland Road is stretched as Leeds United head into a crucial period between now and Christmas.

Leeds will be looking to maintain their promotion push heading into the festive period, but Bielsa must now be concerned about the injuries that are mounting up against him and his side.

The absence of Luke Ayling, Gaetano Berardi and potentially Pontus Jansson this weekend leaves Leeds particularly short in defence, with Liam Cooper set for yet another partner in the heart of the back-four if Jansson doesn’t pull through.

There’s pressure on Cooper and Jansson at Leeds, particularly the latter, who is seen as vital to any chance Leeds have of promotion.

Heading into the winter transfer window, Bielsa may be looking to take that pressure off Jansson by bringing in another body, and Newcastle United could have the perfect man for that in Ciaran Clark.

Clark is firmly on the fringe at St James’ Park and has featured on just seven occasions in the Premier League this season. Recent reports in the Chronicle Live have suggested the Magpies would listen to offers for the 29-year-old in the New Year, seemingly signalling the start of the end of his spell in the North East.

For Leeds, he’d be perfect. Clark is a full Ireland international, who has played the bulk of his professional career in the top-tier of English football.

He’s also got good understanding of the Championship, featuring over 30 times during the 2016/17 campaign as Rafa Benitez led Newcastle to promotion and the second division title.

Adding Clark to Leeds’ defensive options would give Bielsa a real selection headache, but that is no bad thing for a promotion chasing side.

Cooper’s leadership is important, whilst Jansson is arguably one of the best centre-backs in the Championship, but there’s a pressure on both due to the size of Leeds’ squad.

Clark’s addition would keep both on their toes, and in the event of an injury crisis like Leeds find themselves in now, he’d be the ideal man to step in to take the pressure off Bielsa’s leading men.

[ad_pod ]