This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
A major setback, but not a disaster.
Marcelo Bielsa revealed in his press conference ahead of Preston North End a few days ago that Pablo Hernandez is set to be out a little while longer having sustained a new injury.
After spending the past few weeks recovering from a calf problem, it appears as though he has now injured his hamstring.
Given the start to the season that he had with two goals and two assists in the first eight league games, this injury wasn’t exactly ideal for Leeds. As a result, the Whites have been given a little taste of what life is going to be like without him, and given that his contract expires at the end of the season, that time could come sooner rather than later.
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We have spoken before on FFC about the players that could potentially replace Hernandez on the wing for Leeds, but so far the likes of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa are yet to play up to scratch, amassing just one goal between them in the league heading into the clash against Preston.
The fact that Hernandez is proving so crucial to the team at the age of 34 quite frankly should be a sign of desperation for Leeds that the team are struggling so hard to replace him.
This period of time shouldn’t just be about getting points for this league season, it should also be about getting the side prepared for what they are likely to look like next term and beyond.
Why being the away goalkeeper at Leeds is the toughest job in football in the video below…
If the current inconsistent form Leeds are having is anything to go by, there really needs to be a kick up the backside for the wide men that are in contention to be the long-term replacement for the Spaniard.
Leeds have been granted a perfect opportunity to take a glimpse into their future, but at the moment their future doesn’t look all that promising.
At the rate the likes of Helder Costa and Jack Harrison are going, they may find themselves on the outside looking in when Bielsa is drawing up his plans for next season – especially as the pair of them can both sign permanently next summer
But if they still find themselves being kept out of the team by a will be 35-year-old, if they do decide to renew his contract, that should really get alarm bells ringing.
