Leeds United will be able to name nine substitutes for Premier League matches this season after it was confirmed the league would not revert to only allowing seven.
When the 2019/20 campaign restarted after an enforced break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, clubs were given permission to name nine substitutes in their matchday squad.
However, it was stripped back down to seven for the start of the 2020/21 season before clubs voted in favour of reversing the decision last December.
The Premier League handbook says: “Subject to Rule L.28A, in any league match a club may include in its teamsheet up to nine substitute players of whom not more than three may take part in the league match subject to the conditions set out in Law 3 of the Laws of the Game.”
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Clubs will still only be allowed to bring three substitutes on, as well as up to two concussion substitutes.
This could potentially be influencing Marcelo Bielsa’s decisions on players as he may be reluctant for players to leave on loan if more can be included in his squad on a matchday.
Jamie Shackleton is an example of a player linked with a loan exit but now the rule on substitutes has been confirmed, Leeds may deem it sensible to keep those on the fringes of the starting XI in and around the squad.
The confirmation of the rule could also be music to the ears of academy prospects, who may be called up on to fill out benches and give Leeds the maximum number of alternative options they are allowed.
Bielsa is known not to be keen on bloated squad though and outgoings would still be plausible if new signings are made.
The Argentine will name his first 20-man matchday squad of the season on Saturday, when Leeds travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United for the televised lunchtime kick-off.
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