Head, shoulders and elbows ahead of everyone else in Leeds United’s scoring chart, supporters can be forgiven for clamouring to see Rodrigo starting again as soon as possible. The 32-year-old’s 13 goals in 24 appearances keep him ahead of that elite one-in-two strike rate forwards judge themselves on every season.
Even in what was a largely forgettable substitute outing at Molineux, Rodrigo finished the afternoon off with a flourish in that deft flick over Jose Sa at the death. The Spain international’s having a stellar campaign with Leeds and if they are going to survive the drop they need him on the field as much as possible.
Javi Gracia is all too aware of this. He can see the dots people have joined up through the international break.
READ MORE: Leeds United line-ups vs Arsenal as Cooper and Struijk both return in new system
A little under half an hour against Brighton & Hove Albion, a little over half an hour against Wolverhampton Wanderers and a fortnight of work at Thorp Arch would have many feeling Rodrigo should be ready to start at Arsenal on Saturday. The head coach was managing expectations in yesterday’s press conference and nipped that notion in the bud.
It was the same with Luis Sinisterra, who is second only to Rodrigo for minutes per goal with United this season. The clamour for the Colombian, who has impressed in his rare spells of good fitness, is plain to see for Gracia too.
“As you know, Luis and Rodri are players [who], in this moment, are improving their condition, but they are not in the best condition,” said Gracia. “They need time training more, competing more, more minutes in the different games we are going to play.
“In this moment, I can tell you Luis is improving, he’s feeling better day by day and I am sure he is going to help us in the next games, as Rodri is going to do as well.”
Gracia had made a point of stressing the importance of his side being clinical in their rare moments to attack on Saturday. Rodrigo has proven to be the team’s best finisher this season and there will be a need for him on the pitch as early as he can manage at Emirates Stadium.
Gracia has been reluctant throughout his short time Leeds to go into too much detail on anything fitness related. These comments on Sinisterra and Rodrigo were something of a departure from his usual tack and a shift in strategy which keeps the pressure from the terraces off his returning stars.
READ NEXT:
Every word Javi Gracia said on Leeds United injuries, Adams, Arsenal plan, Sinisterra, Rodrigo
Leeds United helped by timely midweek fitness boost after international injury crisis
Javi Gracia explains his Leeds United rotation issue ahead of critical Premier League run
Leeds United told to consider Darko Gyabi as Tyler Adams replacement option
Javi Gracia issues Leeds United injury update on Max Wober, Wilfried Gnonto and Tyler Adams
