Stuart Dallas was left limping heavily on Saturday afternoon as Leeds United slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, casting doubt over his short-term involvement under Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds losing the Yorkshire derby in such a late fashion meant Dallas’ injury was swept under the carpet somewhat, but now we are learning a little bit more about the Northern Irishman’s setback.

Phil Hay wrote in his Q&A for The Athletic yesterday: “Dallas had scans on Monday.  

“Seemingly the damage wasn't as bad as every thought it might be. It's his calf and I don't know when he'll be back but shouldn't be too long.” 

So far this season, the 28-year-old has been ever-present in the Championship, starting 27 games, scoring three goals and registering a single assist.

However, it looks like Saturday’s clash with QPR might see him miss out with this calf problem.

So, we look at the knock-on effects this injury blow will have…

Pablo Hernandez recall

 

Hernandez returned to the bench on Saturday and played out the final quarter of the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

With Dallas out, Hernandez should return to the side in the No.10 role, alongside Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich in the midfield axis.

Some would argue that Hernandez would’ve returned anyway, but with Dallas out, he’s almost certain to step back into the team in midfield.

Left-back struggles to continue

 

If Hernandez was to return to the midfield and Dallas was fit, we might well have seen him shift back out to left-back, with Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas struggling to nail down a starting spot.

Alioski is getting caught out of position regularly, whilst Douglas’ pace was a concern against Jacob Murphy at the weekend.

So, Dallas might’ve been the perfect alternative to the pair, despite the fact he’s right-footed.

He’s done well there before, but with this injury, it is likely Alioski or Douglas will have to continue.

Serious problems with depth in midfield

 

Dallas already felt like a square peg in a round hole in midfield, with his better performances coming at full-back this season.

Yet, without the option of him to step into midfield, combined with Adam Forshaw’s never-ending absence, Bielsa is short of bodies.

Hernandez will play, whilst Jamie Shackleton will provide depth. However, both have had their injury problems this season, with neither able to feature as regularly as someone like Dallas.