New Leeds United boss Javi Gracia will be desperate for Rodrigo’s return after promising injury update
New Leeds United boss Javi Gracia will be desperate for the return of striker Rodrigo for their relegation battle after the forward issued a promising injury update.
The Spaniard has been out of action in recent weeks after suffering an ankle injury against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup fourth-round clash.
The 31-year-old had to undergo surgery [LUFC, 2 February] following bone and ligament damage, but it looks as if he is making good progress at Thorp Arch.
It was thought that the former Valencia striker would return around April, but now it seems his recovery is going smoothly and he could well make a morale-boosting comeback way ahead of schedule.
Talking to Leeds Live [22 February], the forward revealed: “Things are progressing better than I expected, to be honest. We are trying to shorten the recovery period.
“I’m happy for that. Injuries are always frustrating moments 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.
The Whites have struggled for goals without their star man, failing to score in three of their last four Premier League games and are desperately in need of goals if they are to climb out of the relegation places where they sit in 19th.
With Patrick Bamford having just three goals to his name all season, and new January signing Georginio Rutter yet to break his duck, Rodrigo’s return can’t come any sooner.
The former Valencia coach who managed Rodrigo for a short period before the forward’s departure to Leeds will be delighted for a swift reunion with the Spanish international who has consistently delivered for the club this season scoring an impressive 10 Premier League goals so far.
If the Whites can get their second-best performing star [WhoScored] back to the levels he showed before his injury, then the club have every chance of securing Premier League safety.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared an update on the coaching staff Gracia is bringing to the club.