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Bielsa says Hernandez was benched for Leeds due to a lack of match fitness

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa revealed that Pablo Hernandez was on the bench against Blackburn Rovers due to a lack of match fitness. The 33-year-old was introduced in the 70th minute in place of Kemar Roofe as Leeds suffered a 2-1 defeat at Ewood Park.

Given his fine form earlier in the season, many may have expected to see Hernandez back into the starting lineup, but Bielsa was mindful of how much time out the winger has had in recent weeks. In a post-match interview with Leeds Live, the Whites manager said: “He didn’t start the game because I took his absence and all the games he missed into account.