The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a fresh update into the fitness of Leeds United star Pablo Hernandez following Sunday’s return to Championship action.
It didn’t exactly go to plan for the promotion hopefuls as Marcelo Bielsa’s side were downed 2-0 in the Welsh capital. Junior Hoilett and substitute Robert Glatzel pounced on defensive mistakes to hand Cardiff City all three points.
As a result, the Whites have handed rivals West Brom the advantage in the title race.
Can Leeds beat Fulham without Hernandez?
Yes!
No!
The west Yorkshiremen were without a key cog to the Argentine’s system as Pablo Hernandez had to watch from the stands, but Hay has provided some encouragement.
In a post-game Q&A, he said:
“They’re telling us he’ll be back training this week – so ideally involved against Fulham. Sometimes it’s easy to under-estimate the sheer quality of his passing and vision. It makes a difference so often. You almost take him for granted because he’s so gifted.”
The 35-year-old should be back in training today, meaning he may be available for selection against Fulham. It’ll be a monumental game that could shape the run-in as the Cottagers are seven points behind United in third place.
A win would take them to within four with only six games to play, no doubt making it a nervy finish for us at Elland Road given last season’s collapse.
Having playmaker Hernandez back would aid things substantially – per WhoScored, the Spanish wizard has provided six goals and six assists whilst averaging 2.3 key passes, 2.3 shots and 1.5 tackles per game.
There’s also no one else who can really play in the hole behind the striker, not at least as well.
What do you make of this news? Can we see off Fulham with Hernandez back?…