Phil Hay questions whether Leeds star can be 'Hugely influential' past this season

It has been clear in the past couple of games that Pablo Hernandez has been a massive miss for Leeds United.

Hernandez limped off the field in the opening minutes of the 2-1 defeat against Fulham with a hamstring problem - something that will see him miss at least one month of action at Elland Road.

The Spanish magician has been superb after being moved more centrally by Marcelo Bielsa, allowing the likes of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa to influence games more from out wide.

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay recently questioned whether or not Hernandez has another full season in him where he can be a key player whilst delivering an injury update.

"Mentioned Hernandez and his hamstring injury there, and he's looking at being out for a month, I would have thought it'd be the back end of January before we see him again," he said on The Phil Hay show.

"Does he have another season in him where he can be a hugely influential player as opposed to just a player who has abit more of a supporting role?"

That could lead Marcelo Bielsa wanting to bring in a younger option should Leeds earn promotion, something which would take a lot of pressure off the shoulders of Hernandez next season.

It is clear that Leeds are somewhat reliant on Hernandez at times, and his absence against Preston clearly proved that the Whites are much weaker without him.

At 34-years-old, it is no surprise that Hernandez will start to pick up small injuries here and there - something which could have started to affect Hay's judgement on the playmaker.

In other Leeds United news, Clotet claims Leeds making ‘big difference’ is key behind success this season