Jesse Marsch admits he risks upsetting Raphinha by stopping the Leeds United star from linking up with the Brazil squad this month after testing positive for covid, via Leeds Live.
Tite announced Raphinha would again feature in his Selecao plans for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. Brazil see out their final fixtures on March 24 and 30, as they look to top the CONMEBOL standings. Argentina currently trail leaders Brazil by just four points.
Raphinha has fast established himself as a key part of Tite’s plans after his Selecao debut in October. The 25-year-old has started five of his seven caps from seven games, while hitting three goals and two assists. He is yet to play in a losing side, either, with four wins thus far.
Marsch states Raphinha is eager to again represent Brazil in their final qualifying games for the 2022 World Cup. But the Leeds boss now fears the forward will not be able to travel to South America for the ties with Chile and Bolivia after returning a positive Covid-19 case.
Raphinha tested positive on the eve of Leeds’ come-from-behind win at Wolves on Friday night. He had not missed a Premier League fixture since November before the Whites’ trip to Molineux. The forward had also enjoyed an upturn in form over their recent matches.
Jesse Marsch states Leeds are taking Raphinha ‘day by day’ amid Brazil call-up
Leeds are yet to determine if Raphinha will be able to feature for Brazil, but Marsch doubts the nine-goal, three-assist dynamo will travel as things stand at Elland Road right now.
“Well, I mean, he has to [stay], right?” Marsch said. “You’re not allowed to travel with the restrictions. So, yeah, 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, I think, is amazing. 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.”
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