Leeds United will again be without Robin Koch and Diego Llorente for their Premier League clash with West Ham this weekend.

The Lowdown: Crucial weekend clash

The Whites have made a disappointing start to their season, failing to win any of their opening five league games and losing two of them.

On Saturday afternoon, Marcelo Bielsa's side welcome the Hammers to Elland Road, as they look to finally get their campaign going.

Leeds have been dogged by injury problems of late, playing a part in their struggles, and they will again be without a number of important figures at the back this weekend.

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The Latest: Hay confirms defenders are out

As well as Patrick Bamford missing the 3pm meeting on Saturday, the Whites will also be without Llorente and Koch, who missed the trip to Newcastle.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, The Athletic's Phil Hay delivered a six-word verdict of "Bamford, Koch and Llorente all out", with Bielsa having to make do with major deficiencies at the back once more.

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The Verdict: Crushing blow

This is another big setback for Leeds, with Koch and Llorente's respective absences meaning Bielsa has a lack of centre-back options at his disposal - Luke Ayling is also a doubt.

Pascal Struijk is still suspended after picking up a red card against Liverpool earlier this month, so Liam Cooper is the only established available player in that position.

It means Ayling will likely start in the centre again if he is fit, with Stuart Dallas showcasing his versatility at right-back. If the former does not pass a late fitness test however, then it could be dire straits, perhaps with Kalvin Phillips slotting back from midfield, which will of course have a knock-on effect further up the pitch.

In other news, a pundit has made a statement regarding Leeds' interest in one player. Read more here.