Leeds United trio in race to be fit to face Brentford

But goalkeeper Andy Lonergan will be assessed further ahead of the weekend clash against the Bees with the 34-year-old suffering with a stiff neck, while winger Pawel Cibicki looks set to miss out after starting for United’s Under-23s against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday afternoon.

Defenders Luke Ayling and Conor Shaughnessy plus striker Tyler Roberts remain out injured for the longer term.

Hernandez picked up a groin injury in the second half of Wednesday’s clash at Pride Park with the Spaniard replaced by Gjanni Alioski with 13 minutes left.

Heckingbottom initially feared that Hernandez would be out for a a few days “minimum” but the Whites head coach is now hopeful the 32-year-old will be fit to face the Bees.

The Leeds boss also revealed that both Roofe and Lasogga picked up knocks at Pride Park with the German striker experiencing a stiff calf. It’s hoped the duo will also be ready for Saturday afternoon’s Championship clash at Elland Road.

“Lonners has not trained,” said Heckingbottom at Thorp Arch on Friday. “He’s got a stiff neck so we’ll assess him, but we are hoping that everyone is fit and available for tomorrow.

Asked about the latest with Hernandez, Heckingbottom explained: “We are just waiting to see how we are – him and Roofey are similar. Pierre had a stiff calf.

“There’s just a few with the short space of time between the games and increasing load. Obviously Pablo has been back in and played, but there’s those three.

“There’s been a couple of boys with just little bits of stiffness from the different training methods and things like that, so it’s just a case of adapting and, hopefully, we will have everyone available tomorrow.”