Javi Gracia has told his press conference on Monday – as per the club’s YouTube – that he sees Leeds United striker Rodrigo in the gym and improving but did not give a timescale on the Spaniard’s return as he simply does not know.
Rodrigo, 31, has been in incredible form this season – scoring 12 goals in 22 games. But, coming off the bench in an already-won FA Cup clash at Accrington Stanley, Rodrigo picked up an injury. It was an injury that required surgery.
He is expected to be on the sidelines until the end of March, or potentially, the start of April. In his place, Patrick Bamford continues to start but the one-time England star has started the last five League games – failing to score.
Leeds did beat Southampton to win 1-0 on Saturday and the feel-good factor is back. Getting his fellow countryman back for the last few games of the season will be crucial – and Gracia has responded after being asked about Rodrigo.
“I can see him working in the gym, improving. I can’t tell you when he is going to be ready because in this case, I don’t know,” Gracia said, when speaking about Rodrigo in his latest press conference on Monday, and when he will return.
Gracia: Leeds striker Rodrigo in the gym but does not give timescale
Leeds’ chances of survival in the Premier League will vastly improve if the club can get Rodrigo fit ahead of schedule. The initial time frame, from February 3, was six to eight weeks. So, the middle of March, or the end of that month.
There is an international break after the fixture against Wolves on March 18. If Rodrigo can be fit after that break, then Leeds still have 11 Premier League games to play. So actually, Leeds could still have plenty of Rodrigo game time left.
