Marcelo Bielsa provides Leeds injury update ahead of QPR clash

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Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-QPR press conference – as quoted by Leeds Live – that Leeds United are set to welcome back Pablo Hernandez, but could be without four players in Patrick Bamford, Gjanni Alioski, Barry Douglas and Adam Forshaw.

Captain Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton both played for the Under-23 side on Monday and are expected to be involved on Saturday, as Leeds look to get back to winning ways following a 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

However, Leeds could still be without a number of players to take on Mark Warburton’s side – who suffered a 3-1 defeat at Loftus Road on Monday evening to Brentford. Ollie Watkins scored a brace for the Bees.

Indeed, Bamford came off at half-time against Wednesday and has a knock. Bielsa also claimed Barry Douglas and Gjanni Alioski have knocks and could miss the QPR clash, but stated Hernandez is okay and that Adam Forshaw is still out.

“Pablo Hernandez is good. Bamford has a little problem in the ankle. Alioski, Douglas have some little problems as well. Douglas in the knee and Alioski in the side,” Bielsa said. Asked if they were out: “Not defined yet. Forshaw no.”

TBR’s view – Will there be changes to the side, then?

Cooper is expected to come back into the side, and partner Ben White at the heart of the defence. He featured as a substitute against Wednesday and played half of Monday’s under-23 outing. Hernandez is also set to come back in.

Where Hernandez starts, though, remains to be seen. Helder Costa has been decent on the right flank in place of Hernandez, meaning the former Spain international could play in central midfield alongside Klich.

He could replace Costa, or even come in for Jack Harrison on the left. But it is clear that Bielsa is a fan of Harrison, who has impressed in his last handful of games. Hernandez is likely to start in central midfield.