Diego Llorente reveals extent of injury as Leeds face defensive shortage
Diego Llorente has revealed the extent of the injury that he suffered in Leeds United’s defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
It was a tough afternoon for both sets of players, albeit for contrasting reasons. Leeds suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s side, whose emotions after the game were dampened somewhat after Harvey Elliott suffered an injury that will require surgery.
The Liverpool midfielder came off worse from a challenge from Pascal Struijk, who himself had replaced Llorente for Leeds in the first half due to an injury of the Spaniard’s own.
Llorente’s progress at Leeds has been stunted by injuries since his arrival at the club last summer. With that in mind, his withdrawal from the action in the first half will have been cause for concern for Marcelo Bielsa.
But the centre-back has now reassured everyone that his injury is “nothing serious” after reflecting on a difficult day.
“Yesterday was a tough day due to the defeat at home and the injury,” Llorente said on Instagram.
“But there is no time to regret. It’s time to work harder than ever.
“Fortunately, I have nothing serious and I will be back soon. Thanks for all your support.”
Llorente’s message came the day after Bielsa revealed at his post-match press conference that the issue was a muscular one, although its severity was not clear at the time.
With Llorente out and Struijk facing a suspension, Bielsa’s options will be limited in defence for their upcoming games. Robin Koch also missed the game against Liverpool, leaving Liam Cooper as the only available centre-half.
They have matches against Newcastle and West Ham in the Premier League in September, either side of an EFL Cup clash with Fulham. Struijk will be suspended for all of them unless there is a successful appeal.
Therefore, with options thin on the ground, Llorente too will be a big miss until he is able to return.
Leeds duo in demand
While Llorente is hoping his absence will be a short term one, Leeds may have fears about being deprived of other top talent for good.
Monday’s Paper Talk revealed Leeds face a battle to retain two of their star names in 2022.
The post Diego Llorente reveals extent of injury as Leeds face defensive shortage appeared first on TEAMtalk.