Javi Gracia may axe Illan Meslier from Leeds United XI as early team news v Leicester emerges
Illan Meslier may be axed from the Leeds United starting XI for the Whites’ crunch Premier League clash against Leicester City, according to the York Press.
The Foxes travel to Elland Road on Tuesday (25 April) in what is a huge fixture for both teams in their battle to beat relegation to the Championship.
The young Frenchman has conceded 13 times in three games and was at fault for both of Fulham’s goals on Saturday afternoon.
The York Press now report (23 April) that Javi Gracia could axe the 23-year-old stopper, with Joel Robles to come into the side.
Right time
The time is certainly right for a change to be made in goal. It would be naive of Gracia to stick with the 23-year-old after conceding, on average, over four goals a game in Leeds’ last three fixtures. Regardless of whether he’s been culpable, which he has, a change is now required.
Robles has plenty of experience, and, at present, leaders are certainly required. The current crop of players are failing miserably. There’s no leadership, no character and no one taking responsibility. The players are looking to their teammates when they should be looking at how they’re individually performing.
It was good to see Liam Cooper return against Fulham and the 31-year-old was one of the standout performers in West London. The likes of Cooper, Luke Ayling and Adam Forshaw must feature between now and the end of the 2022/23 season.
At this point, Gracia simply has to change something heading into the season’s final fixtures.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player has a potential offer on the table and could seal his permanent Elland Road exit this summer.