Here are your Leeds United evening headlines for Saturday, September 19th.
Bielsa explains Casilla absence against Fulham
After controversially being named captain in Leeds’ midweek Carabao Cup loss to Hull City, goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was left out of the match-day squad for the Whites’ 4-3 win over Fulham.
The decision appeared a strange one, but Marcelo Bielsa explained the Spanish stopper missed the game due to injury.
Speaking to the media, the Leeds boss said: “He got injured on Wednesday.
“He played a pass to Alioski, he played it back to him and when he went to clear the ball the opposition came from behind and tried to stop him.
"Kiko didn't see him and when he went to kick the ball he picked up a knock in his ankle.”
Leeds’ overcame Fulham at Elland Road thanks to a Helder Costa brace, Patrick Bamford goal, and Mateusz Klich penalty.
Leeds player ratings from Fulham win
Leeds’ victory over Fulham was their first in the Premier League for 16 years.
In their opening match at Elland Road, Bielsa’s side took an early lead thanks to an excellent Costa finish which was thumped home from a corner off the crossbar.
Klich then netted from the penalty spot after Bamford was pushed in the area, and the striker added a third with a lovely run and low finish, notching his second goal of the season.
Costa completed his brace with a sensational strike after excellent work by Bamford down the left flank.
You can read the full player ratings from Leeds’ first Premier League win of the season here, with the goalscorers topping the lot.
Udinese still waiting on De Paul offer
Despite having spent lavishly on new signings this summer, including striker Rodrigo and centre-back, Robin Koch, Leeds will continue to invest in their squad as they look to build a team capable of thriving in the top flight.
One player who had been linked with a move is Rodrigo De Paul, a versatile midfielder who has impressed at Udinese. In 2018/19, he provided nine goals and eight assists in a struggling Udinese team.
Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano previously claimed De Paul was ready to move to Leeds but that the clubs were still negotiating over the fee. Per his report, Udinese were holding out for €40 million.
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Leeds are yet to make a concrete offer for the Argentine international.
The report states a move is not close and will not be until an offer near to Udinese’s valuation is received.
