Dedic injury update & will Fernandez-Pardo start at Leeds? - Jaissle press conference
Matthias Jaissle has been speaking to the media this afternoon, getting his pre-match press conference out of the way ahead of Monday's trip to Leeds.
The boss has made a solid start to life in the St James' Park hot seat, going five games unbeaten after wins over Spurs, West Brom and Millwall, along with 2-2 draws against Liverpool and Bournemouth.
In today's presser, Jaissle was asked about a few fitness issues heading to Leeds, with Amar Dedic's hamstring issue discussed, along with Matias Fernandez-Pardo's readiness to start after two cameos so far.
Dedic injury not serious
Matthias Jaissle's update on Dedic was brief, but suggested the Bosnian will not be out for long if he is to miss Monday's trip to Elland Road:
“We don’t think it looks too serious.”
The right-back was forced off at half-time in Tuesday's Carabao Cup win at Millwall, which was initially described as a precautionary move that also gave Tino Livramento additional minutes on his comeback.
Elsewhere, Jaissle offered no real clarity on Will Osula, Ewen Jaouen, Dan Burn or Joelinton's comeback from injury, saying, "Step-by-step for all of the players."
Reports yesterday revealed that Osula could return next weekend for our home clash with Hull, while Jaouen's ankle issue is thought to be minor.
Late call to be made on Fernandez-Pardo
Since completing his big-money move from Lille last Tuesday, we've seen Fernandez-Pardo come on from the bench in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth and 1-0 win at Millwall.
After limited minutes for Belgium at the World Cup and no pre-season at Lille as he pushed for a move, the 21-year-old is still building his fitness.
However, Jaissle's comments today suggest a late decision will be made on a potential start at Leeds, with the forward 'getting closer' following a full week of training.
"He is getting closer to starting, we need to be smart with his load management.
"He has had a full training week this week. We will need to make a decision on him Sunday or even Monday."
It will be an intense game at Elland Road, so we wouldn't be surprised to see Willock and Wissa paired in attack once again. But will that be enough to break down a tough Leeds side?
If Jaissle wants additional X-factor up top to trouble a stubborn Leeds side who are also unbeaten in the league this season, our £51m forward could be the answer for the first hour.
