Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa provides update on Raphinha

The Brazilian, a revelation since joining Leeds from French outfit Rennes last autumn, came off late on in last weekend’s outstanding Premier League victory at champions-elect Manchester City after being on the receiving end of a heavy 89th-minute challenge from home midfielder Fernandinho, who was subsequently booked,.

He limped off and was replaced by Jamie Shackleton. The wingman later posted a photograph of his left thigh bandaged on his Instagram story.

There were initial fears that Raphinha could be out for a spell, incorporating the marquee home fixtures against Liverpool, on Monday night and Manchester United, on Sunday week.

Rodrigo, who missed the game at City, is also continuing to be assessed by medical staff.

Bielsa said: “Raphinha is recovering from a knock that he picked up in the game against City. His evolution we will see in the next couple of days.

“Rodrigo received a knock in his thigh. This knock is an internal hematoma. He is in the process of recovering from a muscular injury obtained last week."

Captain Liam Cooper will miss the game on Monday due to suspension, but Jack Harrison will return after being ineligible for last weekend’s game against his parent club under the terms of his loan..

Meanwhile, Adam Forshaw has been pencilled into feature for Leeds under-23s in this evening’s game at Aston Villa - as he gains further match fitness following his long-term hip injury.

Speaking at the club’s pre-match press conference on Thursday, Bielsa added: “It went well for Forshaw in the (under-23s) game on Saturday and tomorrow he will be playing for the under-23s.

“In the game on Saturday, he played more than one half and tomorrow, the idea is for him to play a little bit more. Not to complete the ninety mins, but to add (more) minutes.”