Leeds United reporter Adam Pope has revealed that star man Raphinha is ‘fit and available’ to face Aston Villa this evening.
The Lowdown: International scare
Raphinha, who Jermaine Beckford labelled as ‘phenomenal’, starred for Brazil during the international break in a 4-0 win over Paraguay.
The 25-year-old scored the opener, had a goal disallowed and hit the post before being replaced late on.
The forward was on the end of a heavy challenge with eight minutes remaining and limped off, with Leeds physios assessing Raphinha on his return to Yorkshire.
The Latest: Pope’s reply
Pope shared a video on Twitter on Monday evening in which he spoke with Raphinha regarding his future.
He was then asked by a Whites fan about the fitness status ahead of the trip to Villa Park, with Pope simply saying: “He’s fit and available.”
The Verdict: Phew
Raphinha has been the club’s shining light in what has been a difficult season at Elland Road, so knowing he has avoided serious injury is a relief.
The versatile wide man has been Leeds’ best Premier League performer by some distance and has contributed to ten Premier League goals, with Jack Harrison next on the list with five, as per WhoScored.
It seems as if he’ll have to continue to carry the goalscoring burden on his shoulders with Patrick Bamford still sidelined, but his availability in the Midlands this evening is a huge positive.
In other news: Leeds gifted another injury boost pre-Villa as Phil Hay relays news involving ‘important’ player.