Leeds United comfortably won in the Premier League on Monday night, however, one thing that may have been surprising was Pablo Hernandez’ absence from the squad. Phil Hay has now revealed why the Spaniard was not included.
Hay drops Hernandez update
Phil Hay spoke to Marcelo Bielsa following the match and the journalist for The Athletic reported: “Hernandez has a muscle problem”
This is a blow for Hernandez
Hernandez shone in Leeds’ promotion season, scoring nine goals and picking up nine assists (WhoScored). He also managed on average 2.1 shots, 2.3 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles per game. That type of season saw the Leeds faithful fall in love with him and had Hay lauded him as ‘unreal’ and a ‘demon’ on Twitter after a late winner against Swansea.
In contrast, the current campaign hasn’t been as good for Hernandez. In 2020/21, the 35 year-old as he has started just two games, has been subbed on in eight others and has only picked up two assists so far (WhoScored).
In the first eleven games, he was only in the squad for four matches, however, he has worked himself back into contention recently.
In the ten games before the win over Crystal Palace, he had featured in six of them (Transfermarkt). Therefore the fact he now has an injury is definitely a blow as he was starting to get a lot more game time. Bielsa will want him back as soon as possible as he clearly thinks that the veteran provides something, either as a starter or off the bench.
As it stands, we don’t know how significant the injury is, but any muscle problem for a 35-year-old player during such a bust period will be a worry for Leeds.
In other news, a player Leeds were looking at in the summer could be available in the next transfer window.
About the Author
