Big Blow for Leeds United injury concerns ahead of Cardiff C

The two big Leeds United injury concerns ahead of Cardiff City clash

Marcelo Bielsa has a couple of injury scares ahead of his side's trip to face the Bluebirds this weekend

By Glen Williams


Friday 19th June 2020


Pablo Hernandez could be a doubt for Leeds United this weekend
Leeds United are sweating over the fitness of attacking duo Pablo Hernandez and Jean-Kevin Augustin ahead of their encounter with Cardiff City this Sunday.

The Bluebirds welcome Leeds this weekend as the Championship restarts following a three-month break owing to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Marcelo Bielsa's side sit top of the Championship and will be looking to restart their campaign with victory at Cardiff City Stadium this weekend, although the Bluebirds will have a thing or two to say about that.

Crucially, though, they could be without star winger Hernandez for the trip to South Wales, according to The Athletic's Phil Hay.

According to the Leeds United correspondent, the Spaniard suffered a niggle in training and while the injury is not thought to be too serious, it is uncertain as yet whether it will affect his involvement in Sunday's match.

Hernandez is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the division, having scored six and provided six so far this campaign, and his potential omission will represent a minor boost for the Bluebirds ahead of this all-important fixture.



Augustin, on loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, has had a far lesser involvement, making only three substitute appearances following his temporary move in January.

He is yet to open his account for the Yorkshire club and that run is set to continue this weekend, it would seem.

It was reported that the striker suffered a hamstring injury in training and Hay suggested it is 'unlikely' the player will be fit enough to take on the Bluebirds this weekend.

For Cardiff, however, their physio bench also has a few notable names, chiefly right back Jazz Richards, who injured his calf while doing his own fitness during lockdown.

Greg Cunningham and Isaac Vassell are also injured, but Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Lee Tomlin are set to contend for starting berths this weekend, both having recovered from fitness issues before the enforced break.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

‘Big blow’ – Exclusive: Bruce reacts as two Leeds stars now ruled out v Cardiff

19th June 2020



Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa


Alex Bruce insists that losing Pablo Hernandez for Sunday’s clash against Cardiff City is a “big blow” for Leeds United.

The former Leeds and Hull defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, has lauded the 35-year-old for his ability and admits his absence will be a bitter pill for Marcelo Bielsa to swallow.

The Argentine manager confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Hernandez would be missing as well as Jean-Kevin Augustin, who is working individually with the physios on his hamstring problem.

Jean-Kevin Augustin is doing individual work to try and get him over this hamstring niggle and up to speed. Bielsa says the additional work is "necessary" to get him right. #lufc

— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 18, 2020

Having Hernandez pull the strings at Elland Road this season, Bruce insists that he is exactly what Leeds need to ensure promotion and that losing him will hurt their chances of success.

Bruce told Football Insider: “It will be a big blow, he’s a big player for them, he carries bags of experience for them as well.

“When you want to go for promotion with eight or nine games left, whatever it is, you need your experienced players to carry you over the line.

“If he is injured and he has picked up an injury in training, it will be a big loss to them.”



Hernandez has played 28 times for Leeds in the Championship this season, chipping in with six goals and six assists.

He missed six games between September and October earlier in the campaign, with Leeds winning just two and failing to score more than once in each of those matches.

In other Leeds United news, Noel Whelan has revealed what he is worried about ahead of the club’s return to action.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.