BBC journalist details why Helder Costa missed game v Blackburn

Leeds United fans were expecting one or two changes to the starting line-up today, with injury doubts to both Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper. 

In the end, there were two changes, one expected and the other a surprise.

Stuart Dallas missed out while Liam Cooper was fit enough to start in the centre of defence.

The surprise was Helder Costa, who was missing from the squad. Gjanni Alioski came in on the left with Jack Harrison playing on the right.

Some Leeds fans thought this might be tactical as he's not been playing brilliantly since lockdown.

However, BBC journalist Adam Pope revealed that he had a knee issue. The good news is that both Costa and Dallas were well enough to travel and were watching the game from the stands.

In a fan Q&A on The Athletic, Phil Hay confirmed that it was a minor issue. Both players should be fit to play in Thursday's game against Stoke.

Leeds fans had also called for Patrick Bamford to be dropped in favour of playing Tyler Roberts up front.

Bamford got the start and scored early on to give Leeds the lead in the game.

The hope was that this would calm the players down and give them confidence. Instead, it spurred Blackburn on and they came very close to equalising, first putting an easy shot wide and then hitting the post.

With 45 minutes gone it's been a breathless half and it shows how important it is for both sides to win today.

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