It has been confirmed that Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich won't be joining up with the Poland squad for their upcoming international matches later this month. Paulo Sousa's side take on Scotland in a friendly on Thursday, March 24 and then the winner of Sweden and Czech Republic on Tuesday, March 29.
Poland were scheduled to take on Russia in the other World Cup play-off semi-final, but that game has been postponed due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Sousa's men have therefore been given a bye to the final after FIFA latterly banned the Russians from any involvement.
However, Klich won't be able to feature in the final after he picked up yellow cards in the games against Andorra and Hungary and is due to serve a one-game suspension in their next competitive game. This could prove to be a dent for Poland's chances of qualifying for the World Cup after he impressed in their recent internationals.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher outlines the 'huge' importance of Leeds United's win over Norwich City
Although Klich could've played against Scotland in the friendly at Hampden Park, Sousa has decided to leave the 31-year-old out of the squad as he cannot feature in the final. The Scots were due to face Ukraine in their play-off semi-final, but that will also not go ahead and could be rearranged for June instead.
The decision was made after Sousa decided to select other options with different players during the friendly, rather than the suspended Klich. But this could be a boost for Leeds as Jesse Marsch continues to get used to his squad ahead of the Premier League run-in.
Daniel James and Raphinha are the only two first-team players who have so far been called up for international duty, leaving Marsch with the majority of his squad to work with over the next two weeks. This could give him the opportunity to work on Leeds' defensive shape given that he will have most of those at his disposal.
Since Marsch's appointment, Klich has played in a defensive midfield-two alongside either Robin Koch or Adam Forshaw and he has been a key part of the side during the American's opening three games in charge. He could prove to be a pivotal part of the Whites' push to stay in the Premier League between now and the end of the season.
Leeds face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, before the two-week break, where Marsch is set to use this time to improve his players and get his tactical game plan across to the players given the Whites' recent hectic schedule. He has emphasised the need to improve Leeds' defensive numbers and this could be something Marsch works on during the next fortnight, with Klich an integral part of his new-look system.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
