Pascal Struijk to start for Leeds United in clash v Chelsea after Liam Cooper injury news – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson expects Pascal Struijk to start for Leeds United when they play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Struijk, 22, missed the 2-2 draw with Brentford last week but ahead of that game, Marcelo Bielsa told the media that the Dutch defender is on the verge of recovering from a hip complaint [LeedsLive].
After 15 minutes of the Brentford game, captain Liam Cooper was forced off with a hamstring injury and the Telegraph claimed today (Wednesday) the Scottish centre-back “will be sidelined for a period of time”.
Due to that, Robinson feels Struijk will replace Cooper in Bielsa’s starting line-up at Chelsea.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “You’d think [Struijk would come in].
“At times they’ve played three at the back with [Luke] Ayling, [Diego] Llorente and Cooper so if Struijk is fit again then he’s the natural one who would come back in.”
Struijk has played 14 times in all competitions for Leeds this season with the former Ajax youngster playing as a left-back or holding midfielder regularly in his more recent matches.
However, he is naturally a left-sided centre-back who’d be the ideal replacement for Cooper and swapping them pair does make sense.
It remains to be seen how may replace Phillips in the midfield as Struijk’s versatility means he could also slot into that role.
However, Junior Firpo could start at left-back and Stuart Dallas gets moved into the middle once more to cover Phillips’ setback.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has dropped a Marcelo Bielsa exit verdict amid recent speculation.