Leeds United could be without a host of key players as they look to turn around a run of form that has seen them lose three games in a row for the first time this season.

Defeats against Nottingham Forest and Hull City have rocked their promotion hopes, but they remain on the top spot for now.

They have a crucial game coming up with Derby County this weekend and journalist Phil Hay has tweeted they could be without Pablo Hernandez for the visit of the Rams.

The 33-year old has been in good form for them of late but he's classed as a major doubt, adding to the continual injury woes besetting Bielsa's side. He's not the only one they're concerned over, Barry Douglas and Patrick Bamford will both miss out as the side look to get their Premier League dream back on track.

There is some good news, Liam Cooper could be back in the fold which will be a timely boost. Despite the injury woes, Bielsa has said he won't be looking for excuses according to Hay's tweets.

"For me it's not an excuse. We have an obligation to win the next game and we can win it. We have no excuses whatsoever not to win against Derby. We have the players we have to reach the win, with optimism."

The Verdict

Leeds have battled hard against the spectre of injury all season, but the knocks and strains are beginning to catch up with them. Failure to win will see them extend their winless run to four games, longer than at any other point this season.

The question remains, can Bielsa survive on a mix of Under 23 players and half fit seniors, or is it time to make a couple of moves in the transfer market, before the season runs away with them once more?