Luke Ayling may return for Leeds United clash v Leicester
Leeds United could be handed an injury boost with Luke Ayling in contention to return for the Leicester clash, according to LeedsLive.
The right-back has been out of action for the Whites since 17 September when they drew 1-1 against Newcastle.
Jamie Shackleton has been deputising for the 30-year-old, but Ayling could be back for the Leicester on Sunday if he fully recovers from his knee injury.
Good news
While Shackleton has done well in Ayling’s absence, when the latter is fit, Marcelo Bielsa is likely to give start him over any other player.
He is his go-to option in that role and has seldom let the Argentine down since he took over the helm at Elland Road.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Former Leeds United attacker Michael Bridges also named Luke Ayling in his Premier League Team of the Season last year.
On the Optus Sport GegenPod, Bridges said, “Bielsa has given the opportunity in the Championship, the work rate this kid puts in from the full-back position is incredible and he’s taken to the Premier League like you wouldn’t believe.
“I’m an ambassador for Leeds United, I don’t know Ayling personally, but I just think he has been absolutely incredible.”
Ayling was truly tremendous last season and Bielsa will be hoping for something some once he makes his full return from injury.
At 30, he’s still running around up and down the pitch like he’s in his mid-20s and that sort of energy has been lacking in this Leeds side this season.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay suggests that the Whites could re-enter the race to sign PL ace after summer pursuit