Good Morning. Its Friday 13th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Hay confirms rift between Hernandez and Bielsa
Leeds Utd journalist Phil Hay has confirmed what many of us had been thinking. All is not well between veteran midfielder Pablo Hernandez and 'the gaffer' Marcelo Bielsa. Before the squad left for London and during Saturday’s post-match press conference, the players were not aware of what was coming. “He was available and I picked other players,” Bielsa said. “I choose the 18 players who I think are most apt but you can evaluate my decision as wrong.”
Even though Rodrigo was missing with COVID-19 and Leeds’ bench was patched up with under-23s, a fit Hernandez did not travel! Was Bielsa right to drop Hernandez from the squad? Can you see Hernandez leaving in January?
Dallas injured on International duty
Stuart Dallas suffered an arm injury during Northern Ireland's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Slovakia last night. The Leeds utility man was left in a heap following an aeriel challenge which left Dallas unable to to bend his arm. Visibly in agony, the 29 year old continued through the pain barrier for a further 100 minutes. Dallas did look to recover, but it could have been adrenaline. We will hear about the gravity of the injury this afternoon, after x-rays.
Costa to make way for Raphinha
Many Leeds fans believe Summer signing Raphinha has shown enough during his short cameo appearances to be awarded a starting place against Arsenal a week on Saturday. The versatile Brazilian can play in the middle behind the striker or as a front man in his career to date, but is expected to continue to provide Bielsa with wide options. Helder Costa was the one to make way in south London, and the former Wolves winger is most likely the one under threat from Raphinha’s presence. Bielsa stated...
Fundamentally he [Raphinha] plays on either wing. He is a player who is naturally very attacking, with ability to get in behind, with dribbling skills. They are virtues to attack and these are skills applicable out wide as well as in the centre.
I won’t say that I won’t use him in any other position but fundamentally I see him as player to play on either wing. He has played in the centre as a striker and attacking midfield but he arrived in our team to be an alternative or option on the wing.