Marcelo Bielsa’s decision before Leeds loss did Tyler Roberts no favours

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Several Leeds United players would have been forgiven for having questions about Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to leave Pablo Hernandez out on Saturday.

Despite Hernandez playing no part in the 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, Bielsa must have always expected that he would be asked about the 35-year-old following the game.

His reaction to being substituted in the Whites’ previous game meant that supporters were immediately suspicious when the lineups for this weekend were announced and he was nowhere to be seen.

Bielsa did confirm afterwards that Hernandez was not carrying an injury (via Leeds Live). However, his claim that it was a selection decision rather than anything to do with what happened against Leicester, did little to alleviate the concerns of supporters.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Hernandez. But what the decision did perhaps do was add to the pressure on Tyler Roberts.

It was Roberts who replaced Hernandez against Leicester. And he also came onto the pitch for the latter stages against Palace.

Roberts not yet ready to take the baton from Hernandez

Unfortunately, on neither occasion was he able to make a significant impact. And that may not do the Wales international many favours.

Against Leicester, he came on at a time in which Hernandez seemed to be growing into the contest. And he was always facing a losing battle at Palace. His display was always likely to be compared with what Hernandez may have done had he been involved.

Roberts – who cost £4 million, according to the Daily Mail – has not found the going in the Premier League easy. He is yet to score or register an assist in the top flight. And that has seen some criticism come his way this term.

Bielsa clearly has faith in him. And he has shown in the past that he has enormous potential. But perhaps it is fair to say that the last two games have unfortunately hammered home that Roberts is still some way off being ready to fill Hernandez’s shoes.