Your Leeds United headlines for Saturday, December 10.
Raphinha shock exit
The football world suffered - or enjoyed - a collective shock as pre-tournament favourites Brazil crashed out of the World Cup. Despite taking the lead in extra time, Croatia equalised in dramatic fashion before dumping the five-time world champions out on penalties.
Former Leeds United talisman Raphinha started the quarter-final affair but was hooked before the hour mark. He cut a visibly dejected figure post-match once Brazil's surprise early exit was confirmed.
The 25-year-old has an underwhelming tournament by his standards, starting four of the Selecao's five games but failing to score or create an assist. Brazil's failure has blown the World Cup wide open for the remaining six nations.
Injury list revealed
Despite a three-week break, Leeds United's current injury situation is actually worse now than when the season came to a halt. The Whites were without eight players (excluding the three at the World Cup) in Thursday's 2-1 win at Elche, and lost another two during the 90 minutes.
Thankfully for Leeds, there is still just under three weeks until their return to Premier League action, meaning time is on their side in terms of getting bodies back. So, with that in mind, here is a look at Leeds' current full injury list, including quotes from Jesse Marsch, and their potential return dates.
To read the list in full, click here.
Whites urged to re-sign Wood
Re-signing Chris Wood could “free up” Rodrigo to play as a number 10 for Leeds. That is the view of former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, after reports linked the New Zealand international with a shock return.
READ MORE: Ex-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips makes tough Erling Haaland call amid Jude Bellingham decision
Wood spent two seasons at Elland Road, leaving in 2017 after emerging as one of the Championship’s most feared strikers. An impressive 44 goals in 88 games earned him a Premier League move to Burnley.
“Someone like Wood coming in would be a very good piece of January business,” Campbell told Football Insider. “He knows the league, he’s Premier League proven and he’s very rarely injured, which is important.
“That would give them a bit more of a focal point. Although Rodrigo has done pretty well in that striker role, adding a Wood will free up Rodrigo to do other things in that number 10 role. Chris Wood has scored goals wherever he’s gone, and that’s exactly what they are needing.”
To read more, click here.
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