Leeds' Llorente could be out for a month, says Bielsa

Llorente is expected to miss Premier League games against Everton, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Aston Villa.

Leeds United defender Diego Llorente faces up to a month on the sidelines after picking up a muscle injury in Tuesday's 2-1 win at Newcastle United, manager Marcelo Bielsa said.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Leeds United - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - January 26, 2021 Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa with Diego Llorente as he walks off Pool via REUTERS/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details. (Pool via REUTERS)

The 27-year-old Spain international, who has been plagued by injury problems since his arrival from Real Sociedad in the close season, made his first start for Leeds at St James' Park but limped off after just 10 minutes and was replaced by Pascal Struijk.

"It's a muscular injury and he's going to be out of the team for three or four weeks," Bielsa told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to Leicester City.

"We are all trying to help him and support him through this injury."

Llorente is expected to miss Premier League games against Everton, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

Bielsa also said Leeds would be open to extending the contract of Ezgjan Alioski, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.

"When it comes to a player staying at the club, the first and most important thing is that the player wants to stay. The player should choose the club and after that the club will decide," Bielsa said.

"I think if Alioski chooses Leeds, Leeds will choose Alioski."

Leeds are 12th in the table with 26 points from 19 games.