Leeds United: Returning Saiz will have a point to prove says Heckingbottom

Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom said Samuel Saiz was returning to the fold in good condition and with 'a point to prove' after completing his six-match suspension.
Samuel Saiz.Samuel Saiz.
Samuel Saiz.

Saiz is vying for a first appearance in almost two months at Derby County on Wednesday having finished a lengthy ban imposed on him for spitting during an FA Cup defeat to Newport County in early January. The Football Association punished the Spanish playmaker with an automatic and heavy penalty after Saiz admitted to spitting at Newport midfielder Robbie Willmott in injury-time at Rodney Parade.

Saiz was red carded by referee Mike Dean seconds after Newport claimed the winning goal in a 2-1 third-round victory.

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Leeds have failed to win a single game in his absence but Heckingbottom is hopeful that recent work on his fitness will allow Saiz to make an immediate impact on the club’s faltering Championship season.

Paul Heckingbottom.Paul Heckingbottom.
Paul Heckingbottom.

Full-back Gaetano Berardi and club captain Liam Cooper are also available for the trip to Pride Park having completed suspensions of their own. The pair were sent off in defeats to Cardiff City and Millwall respectively last month but completed their punishments during yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Bristol City.

Saiz was forced to make a public apology for his actions and the club promised to take disciplinary action against him. Saiz later contributed £25,000 to the fund set up to fund cancer treatment for young Leeds fan Toby Nye.

Heckingbottom, who saw Saiz score against his side while he was manager of Barnsley in November, said: “He’s someone I’ve watched before, to set up against, and he’s a big, big danger. I know him, Berra and Liam are all chomping at the bit to get involved.

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“They’ve been out for a long time, they’ve got a point to prove which is great and I want to use that. We’re definitely stronger for them coming back.

Paul Heckingbottom.Paul Heckingbottom.
Paul Heckingbottom.

“He (Saiz) has been working hard and so have the other boys. They’ve been desperate to get back involved so we’ll see how we. The more options we have the better.”

Leeds are clinging on in the fight for a play-off place, lying eight points behind sixth-placed Bristol City.

Derby sit fourth and are competing for a top-two finish under Gary Rowett but the club have taken two wins from their last seven league games.