Sad news: Leeds United announced a dangerous injury to their best midfielder this morning, believing he is going to die.

Leeds United’s injury crisis has been well-documented in recent weeks, with several first-team players missing out through injury.

Knocks to Jamie Shackleton and Daniel James in midweek have ruled out the duo this weekend, with the wide pairing joining the likes of Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo Moreno, Pascal Struijk, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper in the treatment room.

As a consequence, Marcelo Bielsa has been forced to name several U23 players in his matchday squad, with multiple teenagers taking their place on the substitutes’ bench.

Many Leeds supporters have clamoured for the inclusion of standout youngster Lewis Bate in recent weeks, but have found themselves disappointed with the ex-Chelsea teenager left out entirely.

That changes today, as Bate makes the substitutes’ bench in a Premier League game for only the second time under Bielsa.

In the starting line-up, the Argentine coach has had little choice but to field all of his available senior players.

Illan Meslier starts in goal, with Stuart Dallas, Tyler Roberts, Mateusz Klich, Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Adam Forshaw all making the XI, too.

Worryingly, Diego Llorente is not involved against Arsenal this afternoon. The Spanish defender has been a constant throughout 2021, having battled persistent injuries during the beginning of his stint at Elland Road.

With Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell all unavailable in that position, there is something of an injury crisis in defence on Bielsa’s hands.

Shackleton’s injury and Junior Firpo’s one-match suspension for having picked up five yellow cards means there is a reshuffle at the back.

Robin Koch returns following several months out with a pelvic injury.

Cody Drameh comes into the line-up for his first Premier League start, while it is expected that Dallas will begin the game at left-back, on the opposite side to 20-year-old Drameh.

In attack, Bielsa’s options are equally sparse: Joe Gelhardt makes the starting XI – a first start at Elland Road beckons for the 19-year-old who equalised for Leeds at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Tyler Roberts drops back into midfield to accommodate the in-form youngster.