Leeds United fans were ready for another Rodrigo watch on Sunday night, with Spain playing Ukraine.
However, he was dropped from the starting XI and didn’t make it onto the pitch in the Nations League game.
He wasn’t needed, to be fair. Spain took the lead in the third minute and ran out easy winners, smashing Ukraine 4-0.
And most Leeds fans were relieved that he was given a rest and avoided any injury risk as he prepares to hook up with his new teammates at Thorp Arch on Monday.
Rodrigo played 90 minutes in the game against Germany last week and, after missing an easy chance in the first half, helped rescue a point with the assist for the last-minute equaliser.
That was the first competitive game he’d played since the start of July after he missed the last five games of La Liga through injury.
That will have helped his fitness but turning up this late at Thorp Arch means it’s almost certain that he won’t start against Liverpool. He might not even make the bench.
However, these Leeds fans think that sitting out the Ukraine game was the best thing that could have happened ahead of the Premier League opener on Saturday.
Robin Koch also sat on the bench for Germany as they drew 1-1 with Switzerland. Both will report to Thorp Arch today for training.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Leeds fans on Rodrigo…
I'm grateful that @DFB_Team & @SeFutbol didn't play @RobinKoch25 & Rodrigo, leaving them fresh and available for @LUFC v @LFC on Saturday teatime 👍🏾 #LUFC #MOT #ALAW
— Deanoooh 50 Shades of Ray (@deanoooh2020) September 6, 2020
Rodrigo and Koch didn’t get on tonite and that’s a good thing
👌💪 #lufc
💙💛💛💙
— Dale Brown 💙🏐💛 (@LUDBOFFICIAL) September 6, 2020
Rodrigo getting a rest, nice to have him fresh on his return to the Leeds squad. He will have a few days training. #lufc https://t.co/2Zeifebigi
— Adam Ross (@rossi_on) September 6, 2020
glad Rodrigo and Koch aren't starting tonight hopefully both start on Saturday #lufc
— Armo☀️🌙 🏆 (@Jordan_Armo) September 6, 2020
Koch and Rodrigo on the bench. Keep them there and get them over to TA tomorrow in one piece 👍 #lufc
— Stephen Nichols 🏆💙💛 (@Stephen_LUFC) September 6, 2020
Happy Rodrigo and Koch aint starting tbh.. with our game less then a week away even tho i doubt Bielsa will start either of them anyways 😂 #LUFC
— ROSSii (@MrROSSii1990) September 6, 2020
Good will be glad when these internationals are over and hopefully no one gets injured
— martin (@bigpaparunner) September 6, 2020
Good. They’ll not get injured sitting there, hopefully.
— John Salt (@John_Salt) September 6, 2020
Injury free then . Super
— Dave kemp (@kempdavid1975) September 6, 2020
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