MOT View: Leeds youngster set for audition v Arsenal, extended role may be available
Marcelo Bielsa will have a number of choices to make when Leeds United travel to face Arsenal on Monday.
Illan Meslier will come in for an audition at the Emirates Stadium, with a personal hearing getting closer for Kiko Casilla over his racism charge.
Should the Spaniard be found guilty, he would be facing a minimum of a six-game ban in the Championship – giving a big opportunity to the summer loan signing.
Bielsa confirmed that both Meslier and Robbie Gotts will make their debuts against Arsenal, along with starts for Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski [Adam Pope].
So, with Meslier starting, the Frenchman will want to prove his worth to the club ahead of potentially a massive second half of the season.
The South American handed debuts to the likes of Clarke Odour at Loftus Road last season, and after numerous bench appearances, it was about time Gotts was given the nod.
So with Meslier set for a senior debut, that could give him the exposure needed to excel should he have to replace Casilla in the near future.
An extended role could certainly become available in between the sticks, and Meslier catching the eye in the FA Cup would certainly prove that the Whites don’t need to make any moves for another keeper in the January market.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Excellent’ – talkSPORT pundits discuss Leeds clash v Arsenal, predict tough challenge for one player