Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Pablo Hernandez did not miss Leeds United's 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace through injury.
The Spaniard, who was taken off after 67 minutes against Leicester City on Monday night, was a surprise admission from the Whites' matchday squad for the Selhurst Park clash as Bielsa made two changes to his side.
Speaking after the match, the Whites head coach allayed any fears that Hernandez was suffering from injury.
"Pablo doesn't have any injury, just wasn't picked for this game," Bielsa said.
"I evaluate all of the platers for the upcoming game I didn't pick him for the this game. The decision may seem strange, but I chose the 18 players who I feel are most apt for the game."
When pressed on his absence from a bench which featured 18-year-old Jack Jenkins for the first time, Bielsa reiterated his stance.
"I didn't pick Jenkins in the place of Pablo. And the response to your question I have already given. I reiterate; I pick the 18 players who I believe are in the best conditions for the upcoming game. You can qualify my decision as a wrong one, given the arguments as you have given."
Jamie Shackleton was the other change from the side that was lost to Leicester, with Bielsa confirming that the 21-year-old was out injured.
"Shackleton received a knock in training yesterday," he added.
The defeat saw Leeds drop to 14th place in the table ahead of the upcoming international break. Next up for Leeds is a home clash against Arsenal on Sunday November 22.
