Travel plans for Raphinha and his Brazil international duty remain up in the air after his Covid-19 diagnosis, though Jesse Marsch expects the Leeds United man to stick around. While the development may smart for Raphinha, who is so passionate about playing for his country and asserting himself as one of their most trustworthy attacking players, he has to face the facts.
While restrictions are lifting for the general public in the UK, Premier League rules mean players carrying the virus are not available for selection. The problems that positive test creates for Raphinha are likely to seep into his Brazil commitments in light of the impact on teammates and those he crosses paths with while travelling.
The upside, at least for Leeds, is their star player will have more time to relax and recuperate before getting quality time in on the training field with Marsch before the Southampton match. Asked if Raphinha would be sticking around, Marsch said: “He has to, right?
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“You're not allowed to travel with the restrictions so yes, we'll have to evaluate the situation with him. I know he's really eager to go with the national team as he should be.
“He's establishing himself with the Brazilian national team, which is amazing, and he's such a good player. He's such a good player.
“So let's see what happens. We [have] just got to go a little bit day by day with him.”
Illan Meslier and Diego Llorente may also be candidates for withdrawing from international duty after their knocks, while Stuart Dallas finished Friday’s game in some discomfort after a Joao Moutinho tackle. France under-21s, Spain and Northern Ireland will on alert.
