‘From the noises we’re hearing’ – Graham Smyth delivers Pablo update for Leeds clash v Fulham
Pablo Hernandez missed the first game back for Leeds United and he was missed as the Whites slumped to a 2-0 defeat in Wales on Sunday.
The good news is that Hernandez should be back – in some form – for the massive game against Fulham on Saturday.
Talking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road podcast on Tuesday evening, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth delivered a very positive update, saying he would “put money on him” being involved.
“We are expecting him back in full training in midweek and I would put money on him being involved in some way, shape or form this weekend, whether it’s off the bench or he’s straight back into the starting line-up,” Smyth said.
“From the noises we’re hearing it doesn’t sound like a serious one, it sounds like a very minor setback and hopefully they’ll patch him up and the wizard will be back out there.”
Hernandez was missed on Sunday and fans will be desperate to see him on the teamsheet on Saturday.
Leeds just don’t have the strength in depth in the final third to cope with injuries to key players and games don’t get any bigger or more important than the Fulham clash.
A win would be a massive step towards the Premier League and we have no doubt that Leeds will be a better and more balanced side with Hernandez back.
If that happens, some fans want to see Patrick Bamford dropped and Tyler Roberts start up top, with Hernandez playing in his usual no.10 role.
We don’t think there’s a chance of that happening. Bamford will start as the lone striker and if Hernandez is back, Roberts will drop to the bench.
That’s not a bad thing and that’s no slight on Roberts. Leeds desperately need impact players off the bench and with Roberts and Ian Poveda waiting in the wings, Bielsa has the players to change the game up if that’s what’s needed.
We’re expecting to get final confirmation of Hernandez’ fitness in the press conference on Thursday but this is a very positive update from a well-connected journalist.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Shocking’, ‘Doesn’t look good’: Some Leeds fans react to official EFL update for clash v Fulham