Leeds United handed critical Raphinha boost after ‘massive’ confirmed news – Whelan
Raphinha’s training ground presence will be “invaluable” for Leeds United after he pulled out of Brazil duty.
That is the view of former Whites striker Noel Whelan, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 25-year-old, after he missed Friday’s (18 March) win over Wolves following a positive COVID-19 test.
Raphinha had been selected in Tite’s 25-man squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next week.
However, the Selecao released a statement via their official website yesterday (20 March) confirming he had pulled out of the squad.
The winger has made seven Brazil appearances since making his debut in October 2021, scoring three goals.
Whelan claimed it will be “vital” to have Raphinha in attendance as new boss Jesse Marsch makes “tweaks and changes” to his setup over the international break.
“I think we know how important he is for Brazil and Leeds,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But the COVID restrictions are still there and that will play more into Leeds’ hands than it does Brazil’s. I’m sure they’ll qualify anyway.
“For Leeds, to have one of their best players fresh and learning from the new manager on the training ground will be invaluable.
“They’ve not had much time with Marsch and there’s still things that need to be tweaked and changed.
“To have him there for possibly the full two weeks before the next game will be vital.”
Raphinha should return to action against Southampton on 2 March after recovering from the virus.
The former Rennes man has notched nine goals and three assists in 27 Premier League games this term.
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