Marcelo Bielsa admits Leeds United will be 'slightly less creative' for Manchester City clash

United's Spanish playmaker is still recovering from a groin strain and Whites head coach Bielsa said before last weekend's derby at Sheffield United that the 35-year-old was still facing another two weeks out.

Hernandez is United's most experienced player in terms of Premier League outings with the attacking midfielder having bagged 57 top-flight outings for Swansea City and Bielsa says his men will miss the Spaniard's influence in more ways one than one against Pep Guardiola's side.

"Pablo is a very important player for our offensive game," said Bielsa at his pre-match press conference.

"More than his experience, he brings a lot of creativity to the side.

"Not having him means we will be slightly less creative."

Leeds will also be without Manchester City loanee Jack Harrison is forbidden from playing against his parent club due to Premier League rules and Bielsa has signalled his intention to instead play North Macedonian international Gjanni Alioski on the left wing in Harrison's absence.

Assessing the impact of being without Harrison and how he planned to change his line-up, Bielsa said: "When a player comes out of the XI and another player comes in and you have to give an opinion on this, we have to mix a lot of common places.

"Harrison is very important.

"We are sad he is not going to play, and Alioski is able to do as well or better than Harrison.

"Then after there is the game where you have to show it."

Asked if he had any other new injuries, Bielsa said: "No."

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Thank you Laura Collins