Leeds United confirm squad for Australia pre-season…

Leeds United confirm squad for Australia pre-season tour as Raphinha omitted but new signings included

Raphinha will not travel to Australia for Leeds United’s pre-season tour, the club have confirmed. Jesse Marsch’s 26-man squad for the two-week trip was released this afternoon ahead of their flight this weekend.

All six of the club's summer signings - Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra - have been included in the squad and will feature at some point.

Leeds face Brisbane Roar on Thursday, July 14 to kick-off a period of three games in eight days, with Premier League opposition in Aston Villa and Crystal Palace also on the calendar.

Raphinha’s omission from the squad all but confirms earlier reports that he had asked not to be included, with the Brazilian keen to remain in the UK and finalise a move away from Elland Road. He has both Barcelona and Chelsea vying for his signature, with his absence in Australia increasing the likelihood that he will leave this summer.

Jamie Shackleton has also been left out of the squad, again hinting that a move away from Elland Road is inevitable. The 22-year-old is looking for a loan move away this summer and has been linked with a move to Millwall.

The pre-season tour will, however, give Leeds fans a chance to see the remainder of their summer additions for the first time following Roca’s appearance in the 4-0 win against Blackpool on Thursday. The former Bayern man impressed on his first appearance in a Whites shirt, dictating play and looking well worth the £10million fee in this early stage.

Other significant names include Archie Gray - who was outstanding on Thursday - Leif Davis, Cody Drameh and Crysencio Summerville. All have been linked with potential moves away this summer, but their inclusion on the flight to Australia suggests they will stay.

Thursday’s clash with Brisbane will also coincide with the release of the club’s 2022/2023 home kit after delays with manufacturer Adidas. The Whites will model the new kit at the CBUS Stadium on the Gold Coast, with kick-off at 10:45am.

Leeds United squad in full:

Goalkeepers

Harry Christy

Kristoffer Klaesson

Illan Meslier

Defenders

Liam Cooper

Leif Davis

Cody Drameh

Leo Hjelde

Robin Koch

Rasmus Kristensen