Raphinha may have been injured before Leeds defeat to Everton – Graham Smyth
Leeds United winger Raphinha picked up an issue during the warm-up before a shocking performance in the defeat to Everton, according to YEP journalist Graham Smyth.
The Whites were battered for 90 minutes as Bielsa’s side were beaten 3-0 at Goodison Park, failing to register a single shot on target inside the 90 minutes.
Brazilian Raphinha was hooked at half-time after a poor showing from the right wing, replaced by Tyler Roberts. While Bielsa confirmed after the game that the decision was tactical rather than down to an injury, he could be protecting the star man.
According to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Raphinha pulled up with an issue during the warm-up before the game and was seen in conversation with the physio.
While he continued the warm-up and then started the game, it’s hard not to think that the issue may have been a big factor in his performance on the day.
Explanation
Raphinha is usually one of the most consistent and dangerous players within the Leeds team, so his performance was a huge talking point among fans.
Some may have felt that he didn’t want to be involved in a relegation scrap considering the interest around him during the transfer window.
But his commitment has never been a problem before and it’s very possible that he was suffering pre-game and tried to battle through.
Everton were excellent and completely blew Leeds out of the water on the day, which wouldn’t have helped either, but if he was dealing with a problem pre-game it would go some length to explaining his poor display.
Hopefully Bielsa’s statement after the game that he wasn’t injured was true and it’s just us overthinking it, but if he’s hurt then Leeds are in big trouble.
In other Leeds news, ‘My head is…’ – Raphinha quizzed on signing new Leeds contract as January passes