BBC: Leeds 23y/o could make debut tonight in clash v Wolves
New Leeds United signing Raphinha could make his debut for the club tonight, according to the BBC.
In a round-up of team news for the Monday-night clash, the BBC also said that Pablo Hernandez will be looking to play for the first time since the game against Liverpool.
Hernandez was injured in that game and has been sidelined since.
While it leaves Bielsa with a good problem in the top third, he has some issues at the back.
New centre-back Diego Llorente is out and Liam Cooper faces a late fitness test ahead of the game at Elland Road tonight.
Jonny Otto is the only playing missing for Wolves despite a scare last week after Cristiano Ronaldo tested positive for Covid-19, with five of Nuno’s players in the Portugal camp.
Raphinha is an exciting prospect
We’re excited at the prospect of seeing Raphinha in action and hope he does make his debut tonight, although it’s like to come from the bench.
There are plenty of Leeds fans who are looking forward to getting their first glimpse of their new man, too.
Marcelo Bielsa has given him his seal of approval and talked about an “instant” impact that he’s made at Thorp Arch.
It means that he can choose from Jack Harrison, Helder Costa, Ian Poveda and Raphinha in the wide attacking positions tonight.
Former Wolves man Costa is likely to get the nod to start tonight along with Harrison – both wingers have had fast starts to the season.
Having Poveda and Raphinha on the bench as impact options shows how far the Leeds squad has come.
If Cooper is ruled out then Pascal Struijk is likely to step into the centre of defence and he’ll have to keep Raúl Jiménez and Daniel Podence quiet tonight.
Leeds can move up to third with a win, ahead of Liverpool, Man City and Man United.
Everton are the surprise league leaders at the moment followed by – in an even bigger shock – Aston Villa.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Absurd’ – Nuno hits out as Wolves preparations for Leeds clash hit hard