Lack of fitness was the reason that Ronaldo Vieira missed Leeds United’s clash with Reading on Saturday, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Leeds suffered their fourth defeat in five games on Saturday afternoon, with Mo Barrow’s late strike earning Reading a 1-0 victory at Elland Road.

Thomas Christiansen’s side had struggled prior to the international break, and many were expecting to see a flood of changes to Leeds’ starting XI on Saturday.

Vieira was one of those many expected to see feature on the team sheet, and it was a surprise to see the England youth international omitted from Leeds’ matchday 18.

Christiansen has now revealed that the reason for Vieira’s absence was an injury, which meant he did not link up with Leeds’ first-team training until late last week – although he was close to selection it was revealed.

Vieira, 19, has struggled for opportunities under Christiansen this year, despite impressing during his debut season at Elland Road under Garry Monk last year.

Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane have been preferred in central midfield, with Vieira limited to substitute appearances in the Championship.

The 19-year-old has featured in Leeds’ three Carabao Cup fixtures, helping Leeds progress through to the fourth-round, where they face Leicester City.

The Verdict

Christiansen’s treatment of Vieira is strange, with many at Elland Road insistent that the 19-year-old should be in the starting XI.

Vieira’s injury explains his omission on Saturday, but another disappointing defeat surely means that Christiansen must look to change things in the coming weeks.

Vieira is one of the Championship’s top young talents, and Leeds look like they need his energy in the middle of midfield.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!