Confirmed today via the club’s official website, Leeds’ top goalscorer this season Rodrigo has been ruled out for up to two months through injury.
The 31 year old suffered bone and ligament damage to his ankle following a challenge sustained in Leeds’ FA Cup fourth round victory away to Accrington Stanley last weekend. He has had a minor surgery and is preparing for the recovery process.
The club’s statement on the Spanish international’s injury mentioned that the fitness team at Thorp Arch are confident Jesse Marsch can have his man back before the end of March, but that is a long time for Leeds to be without such an important player.
Leeds will play at least 10 games between now and April 1st, with the total depending on how Marsch’s side progresses in the FA Cup. Currently sitting just one point ahead of the relegation zone, its not a good time for the Whites to suffer such a dent to the first team squad.
Fortunately, Patrick Bamford looks sharp following a spell on the sidelines, and Leeds also signed French attacker Georginio Rutter for a club record fee during the January transfer window. The duo will have extra pressure on their shoulders with the news around Rodrigo’s surgery, and head coach Marsch will be hoping they can come good leading the line as Leeds look to avoid a relegation fight.
Fingers crossed Rodrigo can make a comeback in March. He’s been excellent in the Leeds attack this season, and has brought great energy as well as several important goals to the side.