Pablo Hernandez was not involved during Leeds’ 1-0 win over Brentford.
Paul Heckingbottom will have a number of big decisions to make when it comes to picking his Leeds United side on Friday night, as the Whites travel north to Teesside to face Middlesbrough.
The likes of Vurnon Anita, Samu Saiz and Kalvin Phillips started last time out after spending time out of the starting eleven and impressed during the 1-0 win over Brentford.
Spaniard Pablo Hernandez, though, was omitted from the matchday squad completely due to a groin injury as Liam Cooper rose highest to score the only goal of the game at Elland Road in Heckingbottom’s first win.
The former Swansea City and Valencia star has been one of Leeds’ best players all season, as he combines with Saiz in connecting the midfield and attack by pulling the strings in the number 10 role or out wide.
The 32-year-old has had a hand in 14 goals this season, scoring six times and laying on another eight assists and it his creative awareness in the final third that will prove crucial against Tony Pulis’s side.
He must start from the off against Boro, not least because Leeds’ number 19 was the difference against Boro last time out as the Whites beat former manager Garry Monk 2-1 at Elland Road thanks to goals from Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski.
Hernandez got on the end of a Alioski cross before turning provider to feed Alioski himself with a sumptuous low cross into the box. His attacking precision against Boro won the game, and it will be required a second time if Leeds are to earn all three points.
The fleet-footed star will also be desperate to start, with his future much-talked about in the media this week as he enters the final few months of his contract.
The majority of fans have urged Leeds to offer Hernandez a new contract, with the playmaker currently earning £19,000 a week according to the Daily Star and that will see Hernandez want to prove Leeds fans right with a glittering display from the start.
He must start for multiple reasons, as Leeds go in search of a second three points under Heckingbottom.
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