Leeds star Jean-Kevin Augustin closes in on full fitness to offer Marcelo Bielsa boost
Leeds star Jean-Kevin Augustin is edging closer to full fitness after his January transfer from RB Leipzig, handing Whites manager Marcelo Bielsa a timely boost to his striking options, given their lack of goals in recent Championship fixtures.
Jean-Kevin Augustin is in “excellent nick” with his fitness, and is getting close to making his first league start for Leeds United. Leeds signed the striker on an initial loan deal from RB Leipzig last month, but he’s yet to feature from the start of a match.
Augustin has struggled to break into Marcelo Bielsa’s plans since his arrival, after missing a number of matches this season at his former club.
He’s been working on his fitness since arriving at Leeds, but is yet to meet the expectations of the manager.
Augustin spent the first half of the season on loan at AS Monaco from RB Leipzig, but only started two matches in Ligue 1. He also played 90 minutes in the Coupe De France.
But, it’s now been revealed that the France Under-21 star is very close to the fitness levels required by Bielsa, according to Football Insider.
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Leeds have failed to score in four of their last six Championship matches.
Leading striker Bamford has frustrated supporters over recent weeks, with his finishing brought into question.
Despite being the club’s top goalscorer this season, he’s only scored 12 goals in 31 matches.
Most recently, he’s only hit the back of the net in one of his last eight league appearances.
Leeds news: Leeds signed Augustin from RB Leipzig in January (Image: GETTY Images)
“When this happens, the conclusions about his fitness levels are clear.
“Would a player with the ability of Augustin arrive to our club if he wasn't in the situation that he's in now?
“A player of his level, with his skills, if he’s playing he could cost £30m or £40m.
“If he arrived here without us paying that money, it’s because he has to resolve a problem - that he wasn't playing. His fitness performance is very important.”