Arsenal v Leeds United - press conference key points: Marcelo Bielsa on Kalvin Phillips injury, Gaetano Berardi's recovery and Arsenal

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa meets the media this morning to discuss all the latest ahead of Arsenal.
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa will meet Mikel Arteta on Sunday.Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa will meet Mikel Arteta on Sunday.
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa will meet Mikel Arteta on Sunday.

The Whites travel to face the Gunners in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as 10th takes on 11th in the top flight.

Leeds have an injury concern over influential midfielder Kalvin Phillips after he limped off against Crystal Palace late on Monday night.

Here's what he had to say...

Kalvin Phillips - will he be available this weekend?

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There's no definite position at the moment over whether he'll be able to play or not.

Do you have any other injury concerns?

For the moment no player comes back and Kalvin remains a doubt.

How are Robin Koch and Diego Llorente recovering?

With regards to both in the case of Koch it is week to week. With Diego it is more day to day. The daily evaluation will tell us when they can return.

Pablo Hernandez - is his issue more serious now?

It's not an injury that is going to extend itself for a long time. I'm always prudent when trying to give a timeline. I make an estimated reference. I don't think it will last for long.

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How big a boost was Gaetano Berardi's return to training? How has it gone?

Berardi is a player who is respected by all his teammates and ourselves. He made a big effort throughout the last six months to recover. For all of us it is a very happy moment to see him working with the team. From now onwards he will take the necessary steps so he can start to play again.

Raphinha - thoughts on his form and qualities?

He's a player with good physical attributes for the position. He's a player who is quick and can sustain his quickness over a long distance. He has the resources of the winger in terms of dribbling and when to attack space in behind.

It's the third time you've faced Mikel Arteta - what do you make of him and how have Arsenal changed?

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I think he is a great coach. His team have never lost their identity. The different types of players in each position demand knowledge of the staff.

What did you learn from the previous meeting? Is there anything you can do better?

We have to bear in mind in that game they played half the game a player down. Any analysis made wouldn't be balanced. We had so many shots, one of the secrets to win the game is to increase our efficiency.

How satisfying is it to see Patrick Bamford succeed this season?

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It's praise that is deserved. In all the aspects there has been an evolution. From now on what is important is to maintain consistency for what is left of the season.

How much involvement do you have in summer recruitment?

Any needs that the team and club has. I always respond to them with open arms.

Have you spoken to Victor Orta about the summer recruitment?

Victor has a clear vision of the composition of the group. He controls the needs of every player and position at the club. He's a man with a big capacity for these evaluations. Whenever he needs my opinion on a subject I will always be at his disposition.

Has Mateusz Klich's short break helped?

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It's very difficult to maintain your level in a competition that is so long and competitive. Of course players have highs and lows which is natural. It's true against Crystal Palace that Klich looked more like the player he is.

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