Paul Robinson has questioned Kiko Casilla’s focus at Leeds United, with the goalkeeper aware he won’t be playing football even when the season can resume.
Leeds began the season with Casilla firmly established as the club’s first choice goalkeeper, but racism charges against the Spaniard were proven earlier in 2020, resulting in an eight-game suspension.
Illan Meslier stepped into the side to keep clean sheets against both Hull City and Huddersfield Town, before the season was brought to a standstill as public safety becomes a priority.
When the season can resume, Casilla still has six games on his suspension to serve, which has led to Robinson questioning how switched on the 33-year-old will be at this moment in time.
“It would be very easy [to switch off] if you’re not playing for eight games. At the moment now, you know you’re not going to play for the first [six] of those so realistically, you’re not going to play for four, five or six weeks,” Robinson stated to MOT Leeds News.
“It’s difficult to stay professional when you’re not going to be involved because you know you’re not allowed to be involved.”
Quiz: Has Kalvin Phillips done these 12 things at Leeds United?
Casilla’s teammates moved to the top of the Championship table on the back of his suspension, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side just nine games away from securing promotion.
Currently, the Whites sit a point clear of West Brom at the top of the table and a further six points ahead of third placed Fulham, who hold the biggest threat to the top-two.
The Verdict
It’s difficult to pinpoint where Casilla’s head will be at right now; his reputation has a significant mark against it and you’ve got to question whether he has a long-term future with Leeds.
In the event of the season resuming, Meslier has six more games in control of the gloves and given his impressive performances pre-break, you’d bank on him continuing until the end of the season.
Where that leaves Casilla when the transfer window comes around is anyone’s guess.
Thoughts? Let us know!
Missing football!? There's still plenty of Leeds discussion going on in the Vital Leeds Forum! Click here to get involved!