Leeds needs Tyler Roberts to help fill Pablo Hernandez void

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Leeds United sit in a brilliant spot in the Championship table going into Christmas Day, but they can’t afford to drop off in the second half of the season as they’ve seen the heartache before.

The Whites are second in the league standings and importantly have an eight-point cushion ahead of third-placed Sheffield Wednesday, meaning they would need to fall away next year to miss out on the automatic promotion spots.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have a group that are good enough to get over the line for portion, but there is no doubt that there are some crucial fixtures coming up over the next month.

They have been dealt an injury blow about key player Pablo Hernandez, as Bielsa confirmed (official Twitter) that he’s set to be unavailable for around a month.

He leaves a real creative gap in the team that needs filling, especially with the types of fixtures coming up.

The Yorkshire club face three of the top six clubs inside the next month with games against West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston, as well as matches against Birmingham and QPR in the league too.

Leeds have though confirmed (official Twitter) that Tyler Roberts is back in contention for the Boxing Day clash against Preston.

The 20-year-old has missed the last five league games through injury, but he looks the ideal replacement for Hernandez is the creative role.

Leeds really need to Wales internatonal to try hit the ground running on his return during a crucial fixture run-in and try provide the spark going forward that he is capable of.

Hernandez was just beginning to hit top gear before his injury setback against Fulham and now is the time Roberts is needed.