Illan Meslier says he's 'recovering well' as he misses Leeds United's clash with Brighton amid Covid-19 rumours

The 20-year-old Frenchman has been the subject of rumours over a positive Covid-19 test this week.

His Instagram post said: "Sorry to miss today's [game]. Right behind you all the way boys. Thank you to the fans for all the support, I'm recovering well.

"Please stay safe. See you soon."

Bielsa was asked on Thursday if anyone other than the suspended Kalvin Phillips would be unavailable for today's Premier League fixture but insisted he would only be without the defensive midfielder.

A week ago, however, when the head coach was asked about Covid-19 making players unavailable, he responded: "You know very well I am not allowed to tell you if this is the case, so I would ask you to please avoid asking questions and read behind the lines. I would ask you not to ask me questions like that.

"It's not that I don't want to answer you, but when I give an evasive answer to adhere to what I've been asked to do, you may start to investigate something that shouldn't be found out, because it's a rule."

The absence of Meslier means Spanish veteran Kiko Casilla will start against the Seagulls, six days after a disappointing display against Crawley Town in the FA Cup.

Casilla was criticised for two of the three goals scored by the League Two side in their 3-0 win but received strong backing from Bielsa on Thursday.

"I fully trust in Kiko," he said.

"And I will do the utmost possible to help him.

"I think that the treatment that Kiko has suffered, it ignores the fact that he is a player that played 40 games for Real Madrid."