Football injury expert Ben Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, has been discussing Leeds United’s Illan Meslier and his recent injury situation.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, having spent the majority of his first season at the club on the bench, has managed to establish himself as the club’s number one, only missing three league games whilst they have been in the top flight, playing with such regularity that he managed to break the record for youngest goalkeeper to make 50 appearances in the Premier League back in December.
So the idea of him being out of the first-team picture for any length of time might come as a bit of a shock given where he has climbed to, and following a collision during their recent game with Wolves that forced him to come off early, that could well be the case for Leeds ahead of their upcoming Premier League game with Southampton.
However speaking on his YouTube channel (7:16), Dinnery claimed that given the time between the games as a result of the international break, as well as some extra precautions that the club would send his way, it looks as if he should be good to go for the clash at Elland Road:
“Meslier there have been question marks with regards to him, suffered severe bruising following that heavy collision with Raul Jimenez resulting in the Mexican receiving a second yellow and his dismissal.
“That was to his upper thigh and lower torso. Very painful, but hopefully it looks as if there’s been no lasting effects with that.
“Did not train in the first week during the international break, but he has re-joined the group, there may be some protection or additional padding in and around that area to try and minimise the pain. But as far as we know, at this point, Meslier should be absolutely fine.”
TIF Thoughts on Ben Dinnery’s comments about Illan Meslier at Leeds United…
Has Meslier disappointed you this season?
Yes
No
Whilst this has not been Meslier’s best season by any means, saving just 64.2% of his shots and conceding 67 goals – the most of any goalkeeper in the division – (via FBRef), down from last year when he saved 75.1% of his shots and conceded just 52 (via FBRef), the last thing that Leeds United need is more changes at the back.
Having gone through a hellish catalogue of injuries this year which has resulted in constant chopping and changes in the side, the last thing that they need is to introduce another change to the side, especially after they picked up some form with two wins in their last two games.
So hopefully Meslier will be able to get through this game without anything disastrous and continue to play a part in the side, or they Jesse Marsch will have to start from scratch when it comes to putting together a settled side.
In other news: ‘Important’ – Fabrizio Romano reveals big ‘information’ he’s ‘received’ about Leeds