Leeds fans should now be furious with Jesse Marsch following a worrying announcement about Rodrigo.
What’s the story?
Well, Leeds have now lost their top scorer for at least two months after he sustained an injury to his ankle during the 3-1 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley. He has undergone successful surgery to repair the damage.
It represents a significant blow for Leeds. The Spain international has scored 12 goals in 22 appearances so far this season, more than anyone else at Elland Road.
In truth, Marsch had absolutely no need to bring Rodrigo on during the win over Accrington Stanley, and Leeds fans should be frustrated at the American for unnecessarily risking such an important player.
With Leeds already 3-0 up at the Crown Ground, the 49-year-old strangely chose to bring his No.19 on in place of Luis Sinisterra for a 20-minute runout, but it backfired tremendously.
Fortunately for Leeds, Patrick Bamford now appears to have regained full fitness, but the England international has been seriously injury prone across the past 12 months, so it would not be wise to overuse him.
Marsch has also loaned Joe Gelhardt out to Sunderland, so the timing of Rodrigo’s highly unnecessary injury is far from ideal.
If the absence of the Spaniard now causes Leeds to plunge even deeper into a relegation battle, fingers will surely be pointed at the American for unnecessarily fielding a vital player.
Leeds have a decision to make with Rodrigo
Another perspective to this situation is that it gives Marsch a chance to see what life will be like without Rodrigo.
The Brazil-born forward will only have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season, so Leeds have to decide whether to cash in or extend his terms.
At the age of 31, there may be reluctance from Leeds to hand him a contract which runs behind an additional 12 months.
Therefore, Rodrigo’s absence across the next two months may prove to be vital in helping Leeds make a decision about their No.19’s future.
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