Bamford is fit to face Newcastle, insists Bielsa
LEEDS United head coach Marcelo Bielsa insists Patrick Bamford is not injured ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
It had been rumoured Bamford – Leeds’ top scorer – could be sidelined for the game against Newcastle at Elland Road after being substituted during the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat by West Ham United on Friday night.
When asked if Bamford was injured, Bielsa – speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon – simply replied (via a translator): “No.”
The Leeds boss was otherwise remaining tight-lipped about his team selection, having named his starting line-up in advance of the West Ham game.
Asked if he thought that had been the right thing to do and if he would do it again, Bielsa said: “Nothing about it was incorrect.
“It would be incorrect if we thought knowing the eleven of the opponent gives you an important advantage.
“For me it does niot give you an important advantage.
“From now on, to avoid any backlash, I will not continue to give answers on the players who can or cannot play on the weekend.
“Imagine that the manager of West Ham says I anticipated the team due to vanity. For me to name the team ahead of time is something I should not do.
“Anyhow, the formation, the eleven I gave last week without knowingly giving it because they asked me about a certain position in particular and I spontaneously gave the eleven with the player in that position.”
Pablo Hernandez could feature for Leeds against Newcastle. The midfielder – an unused substitute eagainst West Ham after missing five games due to injury – turned out for Leeds’ Under-23s on Sunday.