Bielsa shares big Pablo Hernandez update ahead of Leeds clash v West Ham
Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed Pablo Hernandez will be available for Leeds United when they face West Ham at Elland Road on Friday night.
Hernandez, 35, has missed the last four matches with a muscle injury while there has also been some scepticism about his absence as it came after his reaction to being substituted off against Leicester last month.
The former Swansea and Valencia player reacted angrily to being replaced in the 67th minute. According to Phil Hay, he kicked a water bottle in frustration and “throwing his black armband into the stands”.
Hernandez has not been seen since that moment of petulance but based on Bielsa’s pre-match press conference ahead of the West Ham game this week, the Spaniard could be back in the matchday squad.
The Athletic’s Hay quoted Bielsa via his personal Twitter account as saying Hernandez – and Jamie Shackleton who’s also been out since the Leicester defeat – are both “healthy and available”.
Bielsa also confirmed his starting line-up to take on West Ham.
It’s something the Argentine has done before – especially after the Spygate scandal in 2019 – but it’s the first time he’s done it in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, there’s no place for Hernandez in the starting line-up but that is no great shock when he hasn’t played since November 2.
Leeds’ form has been mixed since that defeat to Leicester with defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea either side of picking up four points versus Arsenal and Everton.
Hernandez won’t be rushed back into the side but if the Whites don’t bounce back to winning ways this week or next, the Spaniard might return to the line-up around the festive period.
In other Leeds United news, Frank Lampard was absolutely spot on about this Elland Road ace.