Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has stressed the importance of Under-23 games this season and has vowed to continue to field more fringe players in the reserves, despite the injury to Patrick Bamford.
Bielsa fielded a clutch of fringe first team players during the Whites Under-23s' 5-0 win over Bristol City last week and summer signing Bamford had to limp off due to a knee injury.
The Argentine tactician, who has enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Championship season, has claimed that the players need to be involved regularly, either with the first team or the Under-23 squad, to keep their shape throughout the season.
The Whites manager admitted that he will not restrict himself from fielding more fringe players with the Under-23s due to the injury sustained by Bamford as it would hamper their performances severely on the pitch.
Bielsa also claimed that midfielder Adam Forshaw could be the one next in line to feature for the Under-23 squad before he makes a return to the first team after recovering from a foot injury.
“Regarding injuries I would like to make a short comment – the performance of the players is getting worse when you don’t have any activity – when I say official games”, Bielsa told reporters in a press conference.
“So the games for the U23 is a possibility to put players who play less, because if otherwise they won’t be fit to play in the first team.
“That is why I am trying to explain why Bamford played for the Under-23s and why [Jamal] Blackman and [Lewis] Baker have too. So when they go in the first team they will be fit enough.
“When the injury to Bamford happened – we always criticise the decision we take but we have indispensable decisions to make.
“The injury of Bamford – we didn’t have any doubt about it. When he jumped and then he fell he hurt his knee – I am giving this so you don’t think it is imprudent to give minutes.
“Adam Forshaw has not played in the last two months – it will be an obligation to feature in the Under-23s – if he plays in the first team before it will not be ideal”, he added.
Leeds will next face Millwall away from home in the Championship on Saturday as they aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
