Journalist Beren Cross has claimed that Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier should be fit enough to play in the club's next game despite recent fitness concerns.

What’s the word?

The young Frenchman was not involved at all on the weekend as the Whites managed to fight back from two goals down to pick up a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City in the FA Cup

Speaking to the press after the game, manager Jesse Marsch was able to explain that Meslier had been suffering from a muscle issue but he also needed rest due to a recent illness anyway.

He explained: "This week, Illan had a muscle issue with his kicking leg after being out for so long with mono or the glandular fever that it stretched him a little bit so he wouldn't have been able to play either today."

Despite that, Cross has stated that the goalkeeper should be given the all-clear to play against Aston Villa this Friday in the Premier League for Leeds' next game.

Talking on a LeedsLive Facebook stream, the journalist said: "[Joel] Robles is a steady Eddie. He is a second-choice goalkeeper, he's a veteran. He has been brought in for a reason

"He also stepped in today because Meslier had a problem with his kicking leg. He's expected to be fine for Villa.”

Number one

Meslier has started every league game for Leeds this season and so there's no doubt he is the undisputed number-one option for the club right now.

Indeed, Robles has only started in the cup games and so it's clear that Marsch will hope to start the younger goalkeeper against Villa so long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks this week.

If he can stay fit for the match, it will no doubt be a big boost for the Whites. After all, Meslier has put in some key performances of late for the club.

For instance, in late December he picked up consecutive SofaScore player ratings of 7.0 against Manchester City and then 8.5 again Newcastle United.