Graham Smyth has been speaking on the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s podcast Inside Elland Road about all things relating to Leeds United.
One of the topics that Smyth spent a little bit of time on was Raphinha’s injury situation after the Brazilian missed the Whites’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Elland Road.
Since Raphinha signed for Leeds in the last summer transfer window, he has played in 26 of Leeds’ league games, and he is also the Whites’ best player according to WhoScored with an average rating of 7.17.
However, Leeds did well without him on Monday, but he could be back for the Whites’ game against Manchester United this weekend.
Smyth said: “One would hope that Raphinha would be back in the picture by then.
“Marcelo Bielsa says he’s being evaluated day to day, and in American sport, day to day means a player is almost back, doesn’t it.
“So hopefully, that’s what Bielsa is alluding to, and hopefully, Raphinha will be back in the starting lineup.”
Do you think Raphinha will play against Manchester United?
Yes, he will be fit
No, he will miss out
TIF Thoughts on Raphinha…
The 24-year-old has been an excellent addition for the Whites this season, and he has scored six goals and provided six assists in his first season in the Premier League.
The Whites are in strong form and head into this game against the Red Devils off the back of a win against Manchester City and draw with Liverpool, and if Raphinha is back, then you would think that would give them even more confidence if he keeps up his form.
Indeed, the Brazilian remains Leeds’ top-rated player according to WhoScored, such has been his impressive start to life in the Premier League.
It will be interesting to see what Bielsa says about Raphinha in his next press conference, but we hope he is back for this match against Manchester United.
In other news: ‘Embarrassing’, ‘Got it totally wrong’ – Lots of Leeds fans fumed over Phil Hay’s message