Lucas Radebe expecting Marcelo Bielsa to take Leeds United back to the Premier League this summer

Championship front-runners Leeds will finally resume their promotion quest with this Sunday's clash at Cardiff City after what will have been a 15-week break due to the country's battle against coronavirus.

United will return to action with just nine games standing between the Whites and a return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2004.

South African defender Radebe was a pivotal part of United's side in the 1990s and at the turn of the millennium and the centre-back says English football's top flight has been worse off with the absence of his former side.

But 16 years after their relegation of May 2004, Radebe is sure that United are on their way back.

Leeds sit one point clear of second-placed West Brom but hold a seven-point cushion in the division's automatic promotion places with third-placed Fulham heading the chase.

The Cottagers will visit Elland Road for a potentially crucial contest in United's second game back on Saturday, June 27 with Leeds now facing nine games in a month to decide their promotion fate.

United's final fixture of the regular season will see Lee Bowyer's Charlton Athletic visit Elland Road on Wednesday, July 22 and Radebe expects to be celebrating his former side's long-awaited return to the Premier League next month.

“For me the Premier League is not the same with Leeds United not being in it," said Radebe, speaking to LUTV alongside skipper Liam Cooper.

"I am confident with the manager.

"To bring such a squad and get them to compete week in, week out at that level with the same commitment is amazing.

"For me that shows, it is a club that wants to be in the Premier League.

"Everybody has the same goal and there is a real unity. For me I am confident Liam and the team will do it.”

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