Javi Gracia says Rodrigo will be a 'very important' player in Leeds United's quest to avoid relegation, but insists his main focus is for the forward to recover to his best possible condition.
Rodrigo made his first appearance since injuring his ankle in January when he emerged from the bench to replace Patrick Bamford during the Whites' 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
He is still the club's leading goal scorer with 10 in the Premier League, but Gracia is aware of the fact that the Spaniard must not be rushed back into action.
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“Rodrigo is a very important player for us, he needs to recover his best condition because he helped the team but he can only play around 30 minutes," Gracia said.
"It was not easy for me because I had to manage the result, the game and the minutes of many players. But I think it’s good because playing today, they will be better for the next game and will be better for the team."
Leeds twice came from behind against the Seagulls with incredible strikes from Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison in either half earning them a point.
Nevertheless, the Whites dropped into the relegation zone following wins for Bournemouth and Everton, and sit 19th place in the table.
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