'It's bound to have an impact' - Sky Sports pundit outlines factor that contributed to Leeds United's defeat at Arsenal

Kalvin Phillips’ absence saw Pascal Struijk moved into central midfield, Luke Ayling was shifted into the heart of the defence with Jamie Shackleton starting as a right-back.

Struijk got on the scoresheet but the Whites were left with too much to do after going 4-0 down before threatening a comeback.

Bielsa came out in defence of a number of his players after the game – including Mateusz Klich, who started at the Emirates despite carrying an injury.

Smith insists Leeds’ injury list must be taken into consideration before people look to criticise Bielsa and co.

“They have got a lot of injuries and I think that’s what we have to remember,” the former England international told Sky Sports’ Football Show. “They were excellent in the second-half.

"Even at 4-0 down, you still think that they’ve still got an opportunity to get back into it and they’re probably one of the only teams you would say that (about).

"Most teams you watch and you think ‘they’re 4-0 down, game over, I’ll switch off’ but when Leeds are on, you think ‘actually, they can still come back into this.

"At 4-2, if they go and get another one for 4-3, this game could completely turnaround.

"(There are) lot’s of injuries and injuries in key positions is bound to have an impact. They’ve struggled with injuries defensively, (Kalvin) Phillips is obviously a massive loss to the way that Leeds play.

"Apparently, (Mateusz) Klich played and he wasn’t 100%, so you’ve got a lot of injuries there – it’s bound to have an impact on the way you perform.

"But great second-half and they’ll take heart from that I’m sure.”