A lot of Leeds United fans are disappointed to hear that Pablo Hernandez will be missing for a month after suffering a hamstring injury just three minutes into the Whites’ 2-1 defeat to Fulham.
The positive news was that both Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton would be available soon.
Can Tyler Roberts effectively replace Hernandez?
Yes, he is the ideal replacement
No, still too raw
This latest injury update has not gone down well with many Whites fans who feel their Christmas has been ruined.
Pablo Hernandez out for approximately a month. But Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton are 'available' says Marcelo Bielsa. They are healthy but they need time before competing.
Gjanni Alioski will come in on Boxing Day.https://t.co/7af4bnEtFc#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) December 23, 2019
Christmas ruined
— Jonny Weare (@JonnyWeare) December 23, 2019
Thanks for ruining my Christmas, Graham.
— Dan (@Danny_Slugsy) December 23, 2019
Noooooooooo!!!!!!! Pablo has ruined Christmas!
— Jez ?? (@MoreReasonsThan) December 23, 2019
Rest of season then
— scott bates (@bates_scott88) December 23, 2019
Here it begins again. Same pattern in all Bielsa teams
— Mike (@Mike69846200) December 23, 2019
Big blow ??
— Jonesy (@JonesMartyn) December 23, 2019
What do we think?
Hernandez is an important player to the Whites, and without him, they have struggled to win matches.
However, the return of Roberts is a boost, and he could slot straight into the side in place of the Spaniard.
Bielsa did tell the 20-year-old earlier in the season that he would be a key player, so it is now up to him to take his chance and prove to the Argentine that he deserves to be starting ahead of Hernandez.
In terms of strengthening in January, Leeds will be constricted by Financial Fair Play, and unless Eddie Nketiah is recalled, there is not expected to be much transfer activity at Elland Road.
One deal almost certain to happen though is Jack Clarke’s recall to Tottenham Hotspur after the young winger managed just 134 minutes of football this season.