Ancelotti confirms big Everton injury, international star will miss clash v Leeds

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

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02 Feb 2021, 6:39 am

Leeds United might have injury issues ahead of Wednesday night's game at Elland Road but Everton have a big problem of their own.

Talking in his pre-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that England keeper Jordan Pickford is out after picking up an injury in the game against Newcastle.

He also said that Allan and Jean-Philippe Gbamin would be out, although former Leeds player Fabian Delph is back.

The team news was relayed by BBC Merseyside ahead of Wednesday night's game.

Ancelotti says Delph is back after injury but Allan, Gbamin and Pickford are all unavailable. Pickford is out with a "side injury" picked up late in the #NUFC game #EFC
— BBC Sport Merseyside (@bbcmerseysport) February 2, 2021

Big boost for Leeds

Pickford has been in patchy form this season and has been dropped to the bench twice.

And some Everton fans don't seem too upset that he's been ruled out of this game.

However, he's one of the country's best shot-stoppers and we think it's great news for Leeds.

Back-up Robin Olsen has only played five games for Everton since joining on loan in October.

Leeds will certainly put him through his paces on Wednesday and Patrick Bamford will be licking his lips after scoring his 11th of the season against Leicester.

Bamford was at his best in the game on Sunday, with 36 touches, including five in the penalty box.

He created three big chances, won three aerial duels, registered two assists and had two shots on target.

Having an inexperienced keeper between the sticks at Elland Road tomorrow is absolutely perfect for us.

We did mention that Leeds had their own injury problems and they could see Raphinha, Rodrigo and Ian Poveda miss out.

That would blunt our attack somewhat but Jack Harrison and Helder Costa started off the season in fine form and will be looking to make an impact on Wednesday.

In other Leeds United news, Roberto Martinez contacts breakthrough Leeds star over switch to Belgium ahead of Euros – report

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