Marcelo Bielsa explains why the time is right for Robbie Gotts and Illan Meslier to make Leeds United debuts

Marcelo Bielsa believes Robbie Gotts is in his "best moment" to make his long-awaited Leeds United debut.

Gotts has featured on the bench for the Whites 29 times under the Argentine but has failed to play a single minute of first-team action so far.

The Thorp Arch academy product is finally set to be handed his first appearance for the senior side at the 30th attempt against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Monday evening.

Bielsa confirmed he will make four changes for the tie at the Emirates with Gotts replacing utility man Stuart Dallas in midfield.

IIlan Meslier will also feature for Leeds in goal as he replaces Kiko Casilla with club captain Liam Cooper and Helder Costa dropping out of the starting line-up.

Left-back Barry Douglas will come into the team with Gjanni Alioski moving forward to replace the Portuguese winger.

Gaetano Berardi will take up a spot in the heart of the United defence ahead of his skipper.

Bielsa, though, explained why Gotts and Meslier now deserve their chance ahead of the third round fixture against the Gunners in the capital.

"Gotts is a player that deserves to play," Bielsa said.

"And Meslier has qualities that allow him to take responsibility in a massive match like this one.

"Meslier is a goalkeeper that has experience in one thing and Gotts is in his best moment in all our processes.

"The most important thing is that he has worked a lot to have this opportunity. But it’s just one first step in the beginning of his career.

"Both of them, they don’t have to prove anything to us. If they play well, better, and if they don’t play well, it’s not going to change anything about the step forward they are giving.