Leeds United could be without four big players for Wolves clash

Leeds United are sweating on the fitness of record signing Rodrigo for Friday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Rodrigo, who scored a dramatic late equaliser from the penalty spot when the two teams met in October, picked up a thigh problem in Leeds’ win over Norwich City last time out. Leeds boss Jesse Marsch refused to categorise the forward’s tight quad as an injury, and hopes to have him available at Molineux.

Leeds are set to be without captain Liam Cooper and star midfielder Kalvin Phillips due to respective hamstring problems. Both players haven’t featured for Leeds since suffering injuries in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on December 5.

England international Phillips, in particular, has been a big miss throughout the season. The 26-year-old has only played 12 times in the Premier League this term, but his team have won three of those games compared to three victories in 17 without him.

Junior Firpo is also unavailable after being stretchered off during Leeds’ 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Elland Road last week. The left-back is set to an extended spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Patrick Bamford played 45 minutes for Leeds in their victory against Norwich and could start in attack for Marsch again. The striker, along with Brazilian attacker Raphinha, will be key for Leeds at Molineux.

Conor McGilligan, of LeedsLive, says: “Bamford is back and he made all the difference (vs Norwich), but Raphinha has been ridiculously dangerous.”

Leeds cut a run of six straight defeats to beat Norwich last time out and record their first win since Marsch replaced Marcelo Bielsa in the dugout. The American lost his first two games in charge to Leicester City and Villa after being given the task of steering