{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Sources: Leeds United drop Poveda down to Under-23s amid Bielsa freeze-out
Ian Poveda has been dropped down to Leeds United Under-23s ahead of their Premier League opener against Man United, Football Insider understands.
The forward was part of Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team plans last season and a regular in their squad.
But a Leeds source has told Football Insider that Poveda, 21, is set to be omitted for the early season matches.
Leeds kick off their new Premier League campaign at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon (August 14th).
However, Poveda will instead be preparing with Mark Jackson’s under-23s for Monday’s clash against Crystal Palace.
The young attacker was a regular feature among the senior squad at Elland Road last season.
He made 16 appearances across all competitions, 14 of which came in the Premier League.
However, all his top-flight outings came off the substitute’s bench
Poveda actually featured in all but six matchday squads in the league last term.
An ankle injury kept him out for the whole of February.
The England under-20 international joined Leeds from Manchester City in January 2020.
He made four Championship appearances, all after the enforced break in fixtures due to Covid, as the Whites sealed the title and promotion.
The diminutive winger, who stands at 5ft 7in, has also played for every England youth side from under-16s to under-20s.
With Poveda dropped from the squad, Bielsa has Jack Harrison, Raphinha, Helder Costa and Stuart Dallas as his senior options out wide.
Harrison completed his permanent move from Manchester City this summer after three seasons on loan.
The two games against his parent club were the only league matches the 24-year-old sat out last term.
In other news, pundit suggests main Leeds United man has snubbed long-term contract.