Paul Heckingbottom confirmed that Pablo Hernandez had suffered a muscle injury during the 2-2 draw with Derby and was now a doubt for the game against Brentford on Saturday.
Hernandez was substituted in the 75th minute and Heckingbottom has now revealed that he withdrew player from the game due to him sustaining an injury.
The Leeds manager was speaking to the press after the Whites’ drew with Derby on Wednesday and the news was confirmed by BBC journalist Adam Pope who was in attendance.
Paul Heckingbottom “gutted” for his players after feeling #lufc deseeved three points .
Pablo Hernandez has a muscle injury and is doubtful for Saturday’s visit of Brentford.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) February 21, 2018
Hernandez’s replacement in the game, Ezgjan Alioski, actually made a positive impact shortly after coming on.
The 26-year-old scored Leeds’ second of the game with 12 minutes remaining and was unlucky for the goal not to be enough to get the Whites all three points.
However, despite Alioski impressing in his place, Hernandez is seen as a key player at Leeds United.
The 32-year-old winger has scored six, while creating eight, in 32 appearances across all competitions this season.
OPINION
Hernandez was lacklustre against Derby on Wednesday and may have been subbed even if he hadn’t suffered an injury in that game. However, there’s no denying that the winger is a key player at Leeds, when at his best. The 32-year-old was sensational in the Whites’ recent game against Bristol City and Leeds probably wouldn’t have gotten a point from that game if it wasn’t for him. The Whites have been unlucky with injuries this season with their squad seemingly dropping like flies in recent times. In fact, Kemar Roofe who was also subbed against Derby looked like he may have picked up an injury as well.