A lot of Leeds United fans are delighted on Twitter as Graham Smyth has dropped a positive update on Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger has enjoyed a relatively successful start to the season, despite Leeds struggling for large periods, as he’s scored three times in the league.
That led to him being called up to the Brazil national side during the last international break, but due to travel restrictions, he did not link up with the side.
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However, with the UK’s protocols changing significantly, he has been allowed to leave and link up with Brazil, where he will be hoping to earn his first cap, and despite Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel claiming that Thiago Silva, who is with the same side, will miss the Blues’ next game, Smyth has confirmed that Raphinha is expected to be back and available.
Many Leeds fans are thrilled on Twitter with Smyth’s update.
What have these Leeds fans had to say?
“Great news. #LUFC“
“Fantastic News, Let’s hope he comes home safe & well”
“That’s good, even if he doesn’t start, the option to have him on the bench is worth having.”
“Great to hear”
“He’ll kip on the flight back first class and be fully refreshed. Is he likely to start for Brazil?”
“Surely will be on the bench, and use if needed.”
Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa may not be as desperate for Raphinha to return and be fit enough to start against Southampton, which is their next game, as they have new signing Daniel James who can come in and operate in that position.
However, despite how expensive and talented James may be, it’s clear that Leeds struggle without Raphinha, as he missed four league games last season and they failed to win any of them, highlighting how pivotal his creativity is to the side.
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