MX23RW : Sunday, February 2 03:32:25| >> :60:1604:1604:
[monks data]
Crystal Palace logo
Premier League | Gameweek 8
Nov 7, 2020 at 3pm UK
Selhurst Park
Leeds logo

Crystal Palace
4 - 1
Leeds

Dann (12'), Eze (22'), Costa (42' og.), Ayew (70')
FT(HT: 3-1)
Bamford (27')
Cooper (49'), Klich (77')

Leeds to make late call on Raphinha for Crystal Palace clash

Leeds to make late call on Raphinha for Crystal Palace clash
© Reuters
The 23-year-old forward is hoping to be fit after an ankle knock.

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa has yet to decide whether Raphinha will return to the squad for the trip to Crystal Palace.

The deadline-day signing from Rennes missed the home defeat to Leicester on Monday with an ankle injury after impressing in cameo appearances from the bench against both Aston Villa and Wolves, as well as scoring against Norwich in an Under-23 match.

Should he be fit, it could be interesting to see how Bielsa uses the forward – having said previously that the 23-year-old could be an option as a number 10.

Asked about Raphinha, Bielsa said: "I haven't decided just yet about Crystal Palace. We're going to wait until tomorrow (Friday) to see if it is convenient whether we can count on him or not.

"If he plays, he fundamentally plays on either wing. He is a player who is naturally very attacking with ability to get in behind, with dribbling skills and he likes to get in behind.

"His virtue is to attack and these skills are applicable out wide as well as in the centre.

"I won't say that I won't use him in another position, but I see him as a player who can play on either wing. He has played in the centre as a striker and attacking midfielder but he arrived in our team to be an alternative on the wings."

Diego Llorente (groin) and Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) remain out injured while Rodrigo will miss a second match as he continues to self-isolate following his positive Covid-19 test.

Bielsa is confident there are alternatives to call upon in the absence of Rodrigo.

"For every position on the pitch we have various options. We have some options. In the number nine and 10 positions, Rodrigo is an option, but not the only option," said the Leeds boss.

"It's always good to have everyone available but the design of the squad is that we can overcome these problems.

"When a player is missing we cannot say he is not missed because that would not be the case but also because he's missing we cannot resolve his absence. For every game all teams are missing four or five players."

Leeds are looking to bounce back after being beaten 4-1 by Leicester at Elland Road on Monday night.

ID:421202: cacheID:421202:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3589:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Patrick Bamford celebrates with teammates after scoring for Leeds United against Aston Villa in the Premier League on October 23, 2020
Read Next:
Victor Orta 'sick in his heart' that no fans are currently allowed at Elland Road
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds30189360194163
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd30196541212061
3Burnley30151323692758
4Sunderland291510442241855
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn30136113429545
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom301014639271244
7Middlesbrough29128947361144
8Norwich CityNorwich30119104942742
9Bristol City30101283835342
10Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds30119104346-342
11Coventry CityCoventry30118114138341
12Watford30125134042-241
13Millwall301010103027340
14Queens Park RangersQPR30911103339-638
15Preston North EndPreston3081393338-537
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd30910113444-1037
17Swansea CitySwansea3097143242-1034
18Stoke CityStoke30711122837-932
19Cardiff CityCardiff30710133351-1831
20Portsmouth3079143652-1630
21Hull City3078153140-929
22Derby CountyDerby3076173241-927
23Luton TownLuton3076173049-1927
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth30510152963-3425


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!