Hernandez returns to squad as Leeds host Birmingham

Leeds midfielder Pablo Hernandez is hoping to return to action in the home game against Birmingham.

Hernandez, sidelined for the last three matches due to a muscle strain, will be included in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad and could go straight back into the starting line-up.

Skipper Liam Cooper is still recovering from the groin injury sustained in the recent home win against West Brom, which ruled him out for six weeks.

Midfielders Jamie Shackleton (hamstring) and Adam Forshaw (hip) are both still out.

Birmingham winger Jefferson Montero will not be ready in time to face Leeds despite returning to training quicker than expected.

The Ecuador winger, on loan from Swansea, sustained a thigh injury on his full debut for Birmingham against Stoke at the end of August.

Former Chelsea and Brentford midfielder Josh McEachran, who joined Blues as a free agent at the end of last month, is still working on his match fitness.

Dutch midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld (knee) remains a long-term absentee.