Bielsa on team news, Struijk and Bruce

Last updated : 17 September 2021 By Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa spoke to the media before the trip to Newcastle on Friday. Here are the key lines from the Leeds boss:

The Whites will be missing three regular centre-backs at St James' Park - Diego Llorente and Robin Koch are injured, while Pascal Struijk is suspended;

Midfielder Adam Forshaw (calf) may be available next week. Meanwhile, there are no issues with striker Patrick Bamford, despite talk of a hamstring issue after the defeat by Liverpool;

On Struijk's sending off for his challenge on Harvey Elliott, Bielsa said: "What happened was impossible to anticipate when a player completes a successful recovery of the ball. I understand that those who judge and decide have different arguments to mine and the injured player. It wasn't excessive or impulsive... Pascal acted with the exuberance which belongs to the game";

On the criticism Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is facing from the fans, Bielsa said: "I always feel saddened when this happens to a manager from his own supporters. It's among the worst feelings a manager can have."

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