[ad_pod ]
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
By the time April had come around last season, Leeds had suffered 31 various injury and fitness issues to their playing staff.
Their problems in that regard was one of the biggest worries they were facing heading into the new campaign but so far this term, Marcelo Bielsa has found a way to adapt and work his way around the small squad he possesses.
Leeds have used just 17 players in the Championship this season, the fewest of any side in the division. It’s a number that doesn’t even make up a full matchday squad.
It isn’t a damning statistic but as things caught up on the Whites towards the back end of 2018/19, winning just one of their last six games, their lack of depth could catch them cold once again.
Bielsa’s side had a wonderful opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table last weekend.
They were cruising at one point versus Derby and should have been out of sight. They had over 60% of the play, hit the post and missed a penalty. How they didn’t win is difficult to work out.
Chris Martin managed to steal in as the game reached its final stages, leaving Leeds to stare at a record which sees them with one win from their five home matches in 2019/20.
There are various reasons for why that’s the case but a lack of depth and game-changing options on the bench hurt them against the Rams.
At 1-0 up, Pablo Hernandez was withdrawn in place of Barry Douglas. Customary substitutes Helder Costa and Eddie Nketiah were used but with the Spaniard heading off the pitch, there was a sudden lack of quality and ability to push for a second.
Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
Tyler Roberts was ignored, which was possibly understandable considering he’s only just coming back from injury, but with Jack Clarke not in the squad and Mateusz Bogusz missing, they lacked viable options.
Squad depth was a common issue when injuries wreaked havoc with Leeds last term but they somehow found a way to negotiate themselves through choppy waters.
It would be a big ask to do the same this season and their inability to deal with minimal options on Saturday cost them.
Rather strangely, Bielsa had Gaetano Berardi, Robbie Gotts and Douglas at his disposal.
Three defenders on the bench is particularly strange and when they needed to go in for the kill late in the game, their lack of another fit attacker cost them.
