Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has stated that Raphinha will be 'available' for this afternoon’s crucial clash with Brighton.
The Lowdown: Injury scare
The 25-year-old was replaced on Wednesday evening against Chelsea with what appeared to be a hamstring or a groin problem.
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Raphinha, the club’s top scorer with 10 league goals, had to be persuaded by Jesse Marsch to come off for Joe Gelhardt in what was another evening to forget at Elland Road.
Jack Harrison also went off injured and Dan James was sent off, adding to Leeds’ injury and suspension problems ahead of the final home game of the season against Graham Potter’s side.
The Latest: Hay’s post
Hay was present at Thorp Arch for Marsch’s pre-match press conference on Friday and relayed some important injury news on Twitter.
He said that Raphinha ‘will be available’, whereas Harrison was scheduled to train yesterday and Patrick Bamford is ‘still being assessed’.
The Verdict: Last Elland Road dance
Raphinha, who Noel Whelan labelled as ‘brilliant’ following his debut for Brazil, could well play his final game at Elland Road as a Whites player this afternoon.
That’s because it looks as if he will move to Barcelona regardless of what division Leeds find themselves in next season, with talks at an ‘advanced’ stage over a summer transfer to the Nou Camp, but he could play a key role in helping the Whites survive with a starring display this afternoon.
A third successive home defeat could prove fatal, and with attacking resources limited, Raphinha may have to drag Leeds out of the bottom three single-handedly.
In other news: Leeds want powerful 12-goal striker who is 'ideal' for the Championship