Whelan hails Leeds squad as Bielsa reveals extent of Rodrigo injury
Noel Whelan insists Marcelo Bielsa was right to rest Rodrigo during last weekend’s clash between Leeds and Everton.
The former Whites hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to Bielsa’s comments on the attacker following his latest agonising blow.
The Leeds boss claimed Rodrigo picked up a “slight muscular issue” in training ahead of the weekend’s draw.
This is yet another knock suffered by the Spaniard since he joined the Whites last summer.
Rodrigo, 29, has only made 26 league appearances for the club and has suffered numerous injuries.
However, Whelan isn’t overly concerned with Rodrigo’s new knock as he claimed it is just a by-product of his intense playing style.
“He’s one of those players who plays with such intensity,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“The way he plays and trains, yes you are going to get those little niggles.
“He is so important to the side, he’s our record signing but at the same time if he’s not 100% fit, he can’t play.
“Bielsa has done the right thing if Rodrigo isn’t in the place to cope with that Premier League intensity.
“There are other games coming up but ask anybody, everyone wants to see Rodrigo in the side.
“Right now the other players have a chance to take that place and keep it.
“It’s all about competition and we have a good squad. I looked at the bench [v Everton] there was a nice, strong, healthy bench.”
In other news, Phillips: Bamford made up Tottenham link to leverage Leeds into handing him new contract.