By Jack Cunningham

29th Nov, 2021 | 1:10pm

Marcelo Bielsa provides fitness update on Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford

Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Leeds United duo Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling are set to play for the Under-23s tonight.

Ayling and Bamford have been missing since the Whites played Newcastle United in the middle of September, but it appears as if both are getting closer to a return.

This is good news for Leeds, who have badly missed both as they are senior players and people who Bielsa fully trusts, and that is important.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference [Leeds Live] before the Whites play Crystal Palace, Bielsa said: “Bamford and Ayling are going to play with the 23s today.”

Good news for Leeds.

So, the Palace game will be too early for Bamford and Ayling, but if they get through this reserve match unscathed, you would think they have a chance of being involved at the weekend.

The Leeds duo were so important to the Whites last season, and it is a huge shame that both have missed large parts of the campaign due to injuries.

However, the light seems to be at the end of the tunnel, and we are looking forward to seeing both back in action for the first team very soon.

Of course, they must play in the Under-23s match first to gain some match fitness, and it would be a surprise if either started against Brentford.

It would be great to see them both in the matchday squad, though, and available off the bench should Bielsa need either of them.

So, it is an important week for Bamford and Ayling; let us all hope everything goes well.

In other Leeds United news, Ally McCoist discusses the Kalvin Phillips and Bielsa situation.