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Joe Donnohue

Marcelo Bielsa asked if Patrick Bamford's Leeds United season is over as Phillips return revised

Leeds United face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, on the back of a 6-0 defeat at the hands of title-chasing Liverpool.

The Whites succumbed to the might of Jurgen Klopp's side at Anfield in midweek, but drama within the Spurs camp presents an opportunity for Leeds to put a stop to a concerning run of recent form.

Leeds are without a win in five matches, while Spurs have lost four of their last five games, including a 1-0 defeat to Burnley on Wednesday which prompted manager Antonio Conte to question his own position at the club.

Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Elland Road promises to an action-packed contest as Tottenham arrive needing three points to sustain any hopes of European football next season.

Meanwhile, Leeds are in need of a lift, or risk being hauled back into a relegation battle alongside several other Premier League teams.

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has been speaking to the media this morning, offering an update on those who would and would not be available for the visit of the North London club.

Diego Llorente sat out Wednesday's Anfield humbling with a reported hamstring injury.

Robin Koch also missed out in midweek whilst adhering to concussion protocols following his withdrawal against Manchester United last weekend.

The German international is back in contention, however it is entirely possible stand-in Adam Forshaw may remain Bielsa's preferred option in defensive midfield, given his praise this morning.

Leeds United's Argentinian head coach Marcelo Bielsa looks on during the Whites' 6-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield (LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Koch may also be required in his natural position at centre-half, if Llorente is deemed unsuitable for selection from the start, although the Spaniard is also likely to be in the squad.

"Llorente and Koch are available," Bielsa said in his press conference.

The game will be too soon for long-term absentees Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford who have not made an appearance for Leeds since early December.

"There's not a fixed date [for their return]," Bielsa said.

"The prediction that they were going to be available early March and how they are right now, that doesn't seem like it will be the case.

On Patrick Bamford, Bielsa stated: "No, he's not on the grass and probably we will see him before the end of the season."

Follow Bielsa's press conference as it happened here.

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