Spotted: Charlie Cresswell embraced by Marcelo Bielsa in Leeds training
Marcelo Bielsa has been spotted embracing Leeds United under-23s star Charlie Cresswell in training this week.
The Whites travel to Newcastle without Pascal Struijk, Diego Llorente or Robin Koch and have somewhat of a crisis on their hands.
Liam Cooper is destined to start, and it looks as though it be either Luke Ayling or Cresswell alongside him at St James’ Park.
Leeds released the training video on their official Twitter account this afternoon, with two under-23s stars present.
Cresswell was joined by Crysencio Summerville at Thorp Arch, and it would be no surprise to see both of them feature at some point tomorrow night.
Bielsa was in a huddle with the team, and he was spotted arms around Cresswell and having a good laugh with the youngster and the team.
Big hint?
Could Cresswell be the next big breakthrough star at Elland Road?
Pascal Struijk did the same a couple of years ago, and look at him now – many would argue that the under-23s star is ahead of the Dutchman at this stage.
Bielsa has tried Ayling in the heart of defence before, and it certainly didn’t work, so giving the under-23s skipper this chance could be smart.
We aren’t going to know how well Cresswell will adapt without throwing him in for his debut, and there won’t be a better time than now.
Llorente, Koch and Struijk are all out and this could be that chance that the young defender has been crying out for.
In other Leeds United news, This is how Diego Llorente is acting at Thorp Arch after Monday assessment – Patrick Bamford