Leeds set to be without Pablo Hernandez for Newcastle test
Leeds are expected to be without midfielder Pablo Hernandez for their home game against Sky Bet Championship leaders Newcastle.
Hernandez sustained a minor hamstring strain in the win at Norwich before the international break and is rated doubtful.
But winger Stuart Dallas is hoping to return to contention. The Northern Ireland international has been sidelined since early October with a calf injury.
Eunan O'Kane has been nursing a groin problem but will be available, while fellow midfielder Liam Bridcutt (foot) is edging closer to a return to action having been out since mid-September.
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez will be able to welcome back Scotland winger Matt Ritchie from suspension as he goes in search of a ninth successive win in all competitions.
Ritchie sat out the 2-1 home win over Cardiff last time out courtesy of a one-match ban after reaching five bookings for the campaign.
He could be joined too by midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who is available after denying a Football Association misconduct charge and requesting a personal hearing.
Dwight Gayle was an unused substitute for the Cardiff game after shaking off a hamstring problem, while fellow striker Daryl Murphy missed out on international duty with the Republic of Ireland as he continued his recovery from a calf injury, but winger Rolando Aarons is likely to be absent for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in training.
Source: PAR
