Leeds United correspondent Joe Donnohue has labelled an injury to Rodrigo as a 'big blow for Jesse Marsch'.

The Lowdown: Top scorer

Rodrigo was enjoying his best season in front of goal at Elland Road since arriving back in 2020, scoring 12 goals in 22 games in all competitions.

The 31-year-old has scored eight more goals than any other Whites player but is now set for a two-month spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Leeds confirmed on Thursday that the forward has undergone surgery on the problem, and Donnohue has given his thoughts on the news.

The Latest: ‘Big blow’

YEP reporter Donnohue took to Twitter to relay the news on Rodrigo, who he described as being in ‘excellent form this season’.

He said that it is a ‘big blow for Jesse Marsch and Leeds to lose their top scorer’, adding that it is time for Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter to step up.

The Verdict: Avoidable?

Marsch actually decided to bring Rodrigo on against Accrington Stanley with Leeds three goals to the good with just over 20 minutes remaining, so you could argue that he wasn’t needed and Marsch could have brought on either Sonny Perkins or Mateo Joseph instead.

However, the Leeds man made his decision and will now have to live with the consequences, but as Donnohue mentions, there are alternative options in attack.

Bamford has built up minutes in recent weeks, whereas Rutter arrived on a club-record fee, so both players may need to contribute over the coming months as the Whites look to avoid relegation once again.