“A big gamble” – Leeds United sweating on once key piece of injury news heading into April: Opinion

Illan Meslier is an injury concern for Leeds United to consider over the course of the March international break.

Leeds were 3-2 winners last time out in the Premier League against Wolves, but their win came at a cost as Patrick Bamford, Diego Llorente and Mateusz Klich all picked up injuries in the first-half.

Meslier joined them in the treatment room after half-time after a collision with Raul Jimenez that brought a red card.

A knock to the hip means that Leeds are now sweating on Meslier’s fitness heading into the Premier League run-in, with Kristoffer Klaesson his very inexperienced back-up.

Our writers Toby (Neutral) and Kris (FA5) discuss how much of a blow it would be to lose Meslier for any of the final games this season.

It does feel as though an extended absence for Meslier would be a concern for Leeds.

The Frenchman has made some huge contributions this season, which will obviously be a miss, while it could also prompt some nerves in the defence if they know he is no longer backing them up.

Admittedly, Kristoffer Klaesson did do well when replacing Meslier at Wolves, but not every game will go in that direction, and there pressure of performing in games as important as these on a regular basis, could be tricky for a goalkeeper who has almost no experience at this level.

With that in mind, you feel that Leeds will be desperate to hear positive news that Meslier will be back available as soon as possible.

As much as Klaesson stepped in and did a great job stopping Wolves from finding a late equaliser, I would still hold plenty of concerns.

Meslier has been a large reason for why we haven’t conceded even more goals than we have already, which says a lot about our defence.

Klaesson has been iffy in the under-23s this season and to rely on him would be a big gamble and proof of why our lack of depth is a major issue across the board.

He’s no doubt talented, but we’re talking about coming into games where Leeds have to pick up points or face possible relegation – that’s not the sort of pressure Klaesson needs.

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