Leeds United ace Illan Meslier ‘done for the season’ after what happened in loss v Manchester City
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could be “done for the season” after being dropped for the clash with Manchester City on Saturday (6 May), according to journalist Beren Cross.
New boss Sam Allardyce opted to play Joel Robles in between the sticks for the Premier League match at the Etihad.
And the reserve goalkeeper performed admirably despite conceding twice in the 2-1 loss.
“Fatherly care and attention are Illan Meslier’s route out of his current Leeds United rut,” Cross wrote for Leeds Live.
“The 23-year-old was bombed out of the starting line-up on form grounds for the first time since his league debut in 2020 at the weekend.
“Sam Allardyce was blunt and honest in his assessment of the situation. Meslier’s confidence was through the floor after weeks of mistakes and concessions, meaning he had to be taken out of the firing line at Manchester City.
“Allardyce was then complimentary of the way replacement Joel Robles played, further intimating there was little chance of the Spaniard now being taken back out of the team anytime soon. Meslier could well be done for the season now.”
Uncertain future
Meslier’s future in the starting XI is not the only thing up in the air, with his spell at the club also potentially coming to an end given the recent turn of events.
The goalkeeper will not be happy to have lost his starting role for the Whites, but he perhaps only has himself to blame given a recent string of poor displays.
At just 23 years old, it’s a harsh lesson for the youngster, but one that he can hopefully learn from in order to get back to his best.
Competition for places is definitely healthy, particularly for a club that are in such a dangerous position at this stage of the season.
Allardyce seems likely to continue with the experience of Robles between the sticks for the final three matches of the season, but it shouldn’t stop Meslier from giving his all in the training ground and making sure his goalkeeping partner stays on his toes.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites will be without four first-team players for their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday (13 May), according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.