Leeds United have been hit with a huge blow as two key players in the shape of Pablo Hernandez and Adam Forshaw are set to miss the game against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening as reported by the Yorkshire Post.
Leeds’ head coach Marco Bielsa says that Hernandez is not yet ready to make a return after he also missed the defeat to Charlton Athletic on Saturday with a muscle injury.
Bielsa is also unsure if Hernandez will make Saturday’s clash at Millwall and fellow midfielder Forshaw is also experiencing an ongoing hip issue.
Forshaw returned from injury as a half time substitute in Saturday’s clash at The Valley but Bielsa says the problem has returned.
“Probably Pablo and Adam are not going to be in the group,” said Bielsa. “We miss Pablo, we cannot say otherwise, but the team can resolve his absence. Probably Forshaw too. The last match before the international break Adam had a little problem and he cannot solve it.”
In regards to Hernandez, Bielsa said: ”He is finishing his recovery. I couldn’t say if he will play later this week. I will have to wait to see how the recovery is completed.”
Should both players miss the game, this will come as a huge boost to West Brom, in particular with Hernandez having scored against them two last season and proving to be a thorn in their side.
In addition to these two key absentees, defenders Luke Ayling and Barry Douglas are due to be playing in an under 23’s match this afternoon as they continue their comebacks from injury but they almost certainly won’t be considered for Tuesday’s clash with the Baggies with them lacking match fitness for such a huge top of the table game.
Losing two crucial players for such an important game could be huge for Leeds United as they look to get back to winning ways against the only unbeaten side left in the Championship.
