Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Pablo Hernandez will miss the Championship game against Charlton with an injury.
Bielsa was talking in his pre-match press conference when he delivered the fitness blow.
He said that Hernandez felt the problem ahead of the Derby game and hasn’t recovered enough to play on Saturday.
He confirmed that Helder Costa would take his place on the right-wing.
There was slightly better news about Adam Forshaw, who has missed the last two games, who will be fit to play.
More team news – Hernandez is out of Saturday's game. He has a muscular problem. Felt it in the warm-up before Derby and made it through that game but hasn't recovered enough. Helder Costa will play. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) September 26, 2019
Terrace talk – Costa time!
Costa was the most high-profile transfer this summer for Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds fans would have surely expected him to have started in the Championship after eight games. Leeds thought enough of him to spend £15m on him next summer when his loan will become a permanent move.
He will now get his chance because of an injury and if he grabs his opportunity with both hands, he could be set for a good run in the side.
He’s a great back-up option to have and has already registered three assists and scored a goal in 10 games across all competitions.
Leeds fans are taking it fairly well. Hernandez has been a key player for Bielsa, with an average rating of 7.4 this season [WhoScored] and a season-best of 8.92, but many have wanted to see Costa in the starting XI since he arrived.
One said he “Genuinely thinks this is meant to be! Then when Pablo is fit, gets played in the no. 10.”
Another said, “What a replacement to have”.
Genuinely think this is meant to be!
Then when Pablo is fit, gets played in the No.10— Glynn (@GlynnTQ) September 26, 2019
Costa deserves a full game at this stage. His big chance to impress
— Eireleeds1?? (@kevingaff) September 26, 2019
Pablo going off mightn't have cost us control of the game vs Derby, but it definitely coincided with it at the very least.
Important we manage him well throughout the year. Good chance for Costa to impress.
— Jibber Jabber (@EthanFromOnline) September 26, 2019
What a replacement to have
— Steven Manning (@penfoldsteve) September 26, 2019