Leeds United forward Rodrigo shares injury update after ankle surgery
Leeds United forward Rodrigo has shared that his recovery from ankle surgery is ahead of schedule and he is hoping to return before the international break.
Rodrigo, the club’s top scorer, picked up an injury during last month’s victory at Accrington Stanley and needed minor surgery after ligament damage in his ankle. He describes the injury as “frustrating”.
Previously it was thought that he would return around April, but now it seems his recovery is going smoothly, and could make a comeback way ahead of time, which could be around March.
“Things are progressing better than I expected, to be honest. We are trying to shorten the recovery period,” said Rodrigo to Leeds Live.
“I’m happy for that. Injuries are always a frustrating moment for a football player, but I understand that’s part of football as well. I’m trying to do everything I can to be back as soon as possible.
“I expect to be back before the international break. When I got the injury, they said probably I will be back just after the international break, but things are progressing better than we always expected.
“I hope I can be available for the games before the international break, but let’s see. We can’t confirm because it depends on my progression from now to the next two or three weeks, but if I keep this progression, I think I will be available before [the break].”
Options
This is Rodrigo’s best season at the club. The 31-year-old has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season, and his absence is a big blow for the club.
New manager Javi Gracia will be happy to hear that the Spaniard is progressing well, and could return earlier than expected. Leeds him badly as the club fighting for survival in the Premier League.
Gracia does have options though. Patrick Bamford is fully fit now, and he is expected to play a major role. However, Bamford has looked lackluster in recent games, and he needs to be used wisely.
January signing Georginio Rutter looks like a cracking talent but he is too raw at this level, and it will be harsh to expect too much from him at the moment. Still, he presents another major option in the absence of Rodrigo.
Willy Gnonto, who has dazzled in recent months playing on the wide, can be used as a striker as well, and it remains to be seen how Gracia uses him in the coming games.
In other Leeds United news, the club are now leading the race to sign an in-demand young attacking talent from a European giant.