Leeds United youngster returns from injury in Under 23s loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Bate had limped off in apparent discomfort in last Tuesday's convincing Elland Road Under 23s victory over Manchester United, and wasn't in the squad for Friday's Premier League win over Wolves. Boss Jesse Marsch had cast doubt over Bate's fitness for that game, along with Jamie Shackleton who also picked up a knock against the Red Devils.

But Bate was back in action this afternoon at Stamford Bridge as Andrew Taylor's men fell to a narrow victory. The central midfielder lasted for an hour before being replaced in what seemed to be a pre-planned switch, by Northern Irish teenager Charlie Allen.

Leeds fell to a defeat thanks to Thierno Ballo's 14th minute close range finish from a pull-back.

Max Dean fired wide of the post and Amari Miller forced a save from Blues keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe in the first half, but Dani Van Den Heuvel was called upon early in the second half to prevent Chelsea from doubling their lead with a point-blank save.

Taylor replaced Archie Gray with January signing Mateo Joseph but the striker was unable to rescue a point for Leeds, Lowe denying Dean before Miller shot wide as the Blues held out for victory.

Leeds remain fourth from bottom with four games left in the Premier League 2 season, although all three teams below them have two games in hand. Both Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers could overtake Leeds if they win their spare games.

Taylor's side are back in action after the international break when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Monday April 4. After that it's a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion and the season ends with games against Manchester City and Arsenal, at home and away respectively.

Bate, meanwhile, has been named in the 22-man England Under 20s squad for this month's internationals, by Young Lions head coach Andy Edwards. The international break begins with a trip to face Poland in Bielsko-Biala on Friday March 25 before they return home for a game against Germany in Colchester on Tuesday March 29.