By Russell Edge

4th Dec, 2020 | 10:25am

Exclusive: Leeds ever-present major doubt for Chelsea clash after missing training

Robin Koch is a major doubt for the Leeds United showdown against Chelsea after missing a few days of training this week, Football Insider understands.

The 24-year-old has been an ever-present at the heart of the defence for Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League this season after making a move worth an initial £11.5million from Freiburg this summer.

However, a source at Elland Road has told Football Insider that the Germany international has missed “a couple of days” training with an undisclosed problem this week to put his availability for Saturday’s visit to Stamford Bridge in doubt.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, manager Marcelo Bielsa did not speak about Koch, although he did confirm fellow defender Diego Llorente is closing in on a return to action.

The Spaniard is yet to make his debut for Leeds after suffering several niggling injuries during his time at Elland Road.

However, Bielsa may be forced to call upon the 27-year-old on Saturday despite admitting he would rather the centre-back got some minutes under his belt for the under-23s before stepping into the senior side.

A source told Football Insider: “I know Robin Koch has not trained for a couple of days so he might be forced into a change.”

Leeds managed to keep their fourth clean sheet of the season last weekend in the 1-0 win over Everton, with Koch partnered by Leeds captain Liam Cooper at the heart of the defence.

As well as Llorente, Bielsa could also call upon the versatile Pascal Struijk to fill in at the heart of the defence, having used the 21-year-old as a centre-back versus Liverpool and Wolves.

In other Leeds United news, value of Elland Road ace tipped to skyrocket after “enormous” transfer reveal.