Phil Hay delivers worrying injury update on Pablo Hernandez ahead of clash v Cardiff
We’ve had concerns about Pablo Hernandez’ fitness for the past week and Phil Hay has now revealed that he had picked up a niggle ahead of the restart for Leeds United.
Hernandez has got over this but could still miss out on the game in Wales if his fitness isn’t up to scratch.
Our suspicions were raised as Hernandez has been conspicuous by his absence in various shots and clips of the Leeds players training at Thorp Arch.
And The Athletic journalist responded to one Leeds fan who asked the question about Pablo on Wednesday night.
He asked, “Any news on Pablo, Phil?”
Hay replied, “[He] had a niggle but is okay. Not sure if it affects Sunday yet.”
Tyler’s chance to shine?
This would be a blow for Leeds. In normal times, a niggle that you recover from wouldn’t put you in danger of missing a game.
However, at the moment, things are different. The Leeds players have only had just over two weeks of full training together and every day is crucial.
Fitness is absolutely paramount and the Arsenal game last night showed how susceptible players are to picking up injuries.
If Pablo isn’t 100% then we don’t think Bielsa will risk him and we can’t see how he can be 100% if he’s not been training properly.
If he does miss out then we think Tyler Roberts comes in – and that’s no bad thing.
A Leeds side without Hernandez is a weaker one but Roberts was looking back to his best just before lockdown and he’ll be raring to go.
The only issue with that is that if Roberts starts, where does the impact come from off the bench if needed?
In other Leeds United news, ‘Tough start’ – Exclusive: Pundit predicts scoreline for huge Leeds clash v Cardiff