Marcelo Bielsa pays tribute as Leeds United boss prepares for captain change amid Liam Cooper injury

Cooper is one of three Leeds players nursing a hamstring injury ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at Chelsea, the captain joining Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford who have similar issues.

Record signing Rodrigo is also suffering from bilateral heel pain whilst Robin Koch has been ill having overcome his pelvic injury meaning Bielsa is set to be without almost half a team for the fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Cooper's injury also means there will be a change in captaincy but Bielsa was able to welcome back his vice skipper for last weekend's 2-2 draw at home to Brentford as Ayling played the full duration of the contest after nearly two months out with a knee issue.

Ayling is now set to take over the armband and Bielsa has paid a glowing tribute to his stand-in skipper.

Asked about the return of Ayling to the side and what he brought to the squad both in terms of playing abilities and leadership qualities, Bielsa said: "He’s a versatile player, he can defend as a full-back or as a centre-back, he is a player with a lot of personality.

" He takes risks with the management of the ball. He’s especially optimistic, and he transmits confidence, faith and energy to us all.

"In the absence of Cooper, who is our captain, we can also say that Ayling is a great captain."

Asked about Ayling's form before suffering a knee injury in September - form that even had England boss Gareth Southgate looking at him - Bielsa said: "When Ayling finds his match fitness, he’s a player, from my point of view, of a very high level.

"And when he plays consecutive games, he acquires his best level quickly."

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins