Leeds boss Bielsa explains Tyler Roberts substitution and provides alarming Patrick Bamford fitness update

The post-match press conference held by Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa, on the back of the club’s meeting with Newcastle, has given rise to a number of noteworthy updates surrounding the club’s playing squad.

The first centers on hitman Tyler Roberts.

Roberts, long criticised by the Leeds faithful, was introduced off the bench for Dan James with 20 minutes remaining at Elland Road this afternoon, much to the frustration of the home crowd in attendance.

This came with fan favourite Joe Gelhardt remaining glued to the bench, amid the Whites’ desperate search for an equaliser.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United and Romain Saïss of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on October 23, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

In turn, on the back of the action coming to a close on a disappointing day for his side, it came as little surprise when Marcelo Bielsa was drawn on his decision to opt for Roberts, over Gelhardt.

”Given that James was on a caution, Tyler was the first step to unbalance the game. That’s why I did it,” he went on to explain.

Swiftly following the Leeds’ boss team news explanation, meanwhile, was an update on the wellbeing of the man who, fitness permitting, would no doubt otherwise have been afforded a start as the club’s attacking spearhead against Newcastle – Patrick Bamford.

Hitman Bamford has endured a season to forget to date, owing to a host of injury problems.

And, if Bielsa’s latest update on the situation is anything to go by, then his star attacker’s return to competitive action may yet not be as close as was previously hoped:

Bielsa has doubts about whether Bamford will be ready immediately on the other side of the break that’s coming up. “A player who’s gone so long without playing it opens up a question mark about how long he needs to be able to maintain regularity.” #lufc

— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 22, 2022

Shelvey the difference

On the back of a two-game win streak in the Premier League for the first time all season, Leeds were brought crashing back down to earth in a major way on Saturday.

Tasked with getting the better of a Newcastle side with just a solitary victory to their names across the campaign to date, the Peacocks were ultimately made to pay for persistent profligacy in front of goal.

Fifteen minutes from time, Jonjo Shelvey’s free-kick from the edge of the area somehow found its way beyond Illan Meslier and into the hosts’ net, enough to see relegation-battling Newcastle depart Elland Road with all three points.

“That’s a goalkeeping error!” 😬

The controversial Jonjo Shelvey free kick which has blown the race against relegation wide open… 😅#OptusSport #PL #LEENEW pic.twitter.com/9NdY0p0BO4

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) January 22, 2022

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