Leeds United journalist Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United winger Raphinha should be back home ahead of the trip to Southampton this afternoon.
The Brazilian star was instrumental in Brazil’s 4-1 World Cup qualifying fixture against Uruguay, netting twice on his full debut, just over 24 hours ago and faced a race back to the United Kingdom for today’s fixture.
While Raphinha is expected to available to play, Marcelo Bielsa insisted that if fatigue would clearly cause injury, he wouldn’t be risk – but it looks as though he will be there giving him a choice to make.
Writing in his matchday discussion for The Athletic this morning, Hay revealed that the Brazilian star will be home by now.
“As for Raphinha…he’ll be home by now but the decision on whether he plays is going to come down to how he feels and what Bielsa thinks,” he wrote. “A hard one to call.
“I’m interested in your thoughts on Raphinha. Would you risk him? Normally I’d say no chance but he’s been on fire in Brazil and because of that, it’s far more of a temptation to tap into that.
“But no doubt that fatigue could leave him at risk of injury.”
Should Raphinha against Southampton?Yes
No
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Hay’s update has subsequently seen Spurs fans take to Twitter.
What did these Leeds fans make of Phil Hay’s Raphinha update?
“Fancy us today”
“So do I – fancy DJ to score as well”
“He should play no matter what we’re paying his wages no excuses”
“He’s obviously our best attacking player but we’re strong in this area with James and Harrison. On the bench, bring him on if we need him”
“Proper football is back. Really hope that KP makes it. I wouldn’t risk starting Raphinha. The rest pretty much picks itself. Safe travels to everyone that’s attending”
“3pts today please Leeds hope Raphinha gets on the pitch he will be buzzing lets show him our love MOT!
“Not happy Phil”
Ahead of the clash against Ralph Hassenhuttl’s , striker Patrick Bamford has been ruled out of the game against Southampton due to injury after sustaining an ankle injury in the game at Newcastle almost a month ago, causing Bamford to miss Leeds’ two most recent Premier League fixtures.
There had been a hope he could return after the international break, Bielsa has now confirmed that is not the case. However, there is a growing sense of optimism that Kalvin Phillips, who recently missed out on England duty over the international break due to a calf strain, could return to action at St. Mary’s this afternoon, with Bielsa claiming he has a chance of being fit for the match at St. Mary’s Stadium.
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Elsewhere, Leeds fans react as Tite publicly praises Marcelo Bielsa for role in development of Raphinha…