01 February 2021

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa waiting on results of Rodrigo scan

01 February 2021

Marcelo Bielsa is waiting to learn the full extent of Rodrigo’s injury, which is expected to rule the forward out of this week’s home game against Everton.

The Spain international was forced off during Sunday’s 3-1 win at Leicester after sustaining a muscle strain while stretching awkwardly for the ball.

Patrick Bamford and Raphinha are also doubtful for Wednesday’s Premier League clash after finishing the game with injuries, Bielsa confirmed.

“Rodrigo’s having a scan at the moment to evaluate his condition,” the Leeds boss said on Monday lunchtime.

“He had an action where both feet were very wide apart and that extensive stretch potentially could have caused a muscular injury.

“The other two cases are less worrying. The problem that Rodrigo has to overcome to be available on Wednesday is bigger.

“The problems that Raphinha and Bamford have to overcome are more simple.”

Raphinha appeared to have a thigh strain when he was withdrawn late in the game at Leicester, while Bamford finished with a dead leg.

Bielsa reported no other new injury concerns as his side bid for a third straight league win on Wednesday night.

Mateusz Klich replaced Rodrigo at the King Power Stadium and is likely to return to the starting line-up against Everton.

It would be a major blow for Leeds if Bamford and Raphinha are ruled out as well.

Bamford took most of the plaudits after Sunday’s impressive win at Leicester, scoring his 11th of the season and having a hand in both of Leeds’ other goals in front of watching England manager Gareth Southgate.

The 27-year-old striker’s display has prompted further speculation over a possible England call-up, but Bielsa refuses to join the debate.

“This question has only one answer, which I have given previously,” he said. “I don’t want to be seen to be giving suggestions to Southgate, the manager of the England team, on his job.”

Nor would Bielsa be drawn on where Bamford ranks among his fellow top-flight strikers.

“I am not at this position to make comparisons. The one I know well is Patrick. My job is to know how good he is,” Bielsa added.

“So there will be other people who are more capable of making this comparison, people in charge of the incomings and the outgoings of the team, the press and the manager of the national team.”

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