Leeds United: Raphinha’s long throw could be useful to Whites

Coach Jesse Marsch says the Whites will add it to their toolbox ahead of what he calls “an unbelievable test” against “the best team in the world” tomorrow.

It is a test Patrick Bamford will have to sit out, but the centre-forward could play some part against Arsenal a week on Sunday.

Raphinha had been shy about the long throw Marsch discovered at Thorp Arch, but it could come in handy at home to title-chasing Manchester City in tomorrow’s late televised kick-off.

“We had a contest in training, because I asked if anyone had a long throw, and they all said ‘No’,” revealed Marsch.

“I said, ‘Someone in here does,’ and I said, ‘My money’s on Raphinha’ – and he did.

“It was dangerous. We’ll probably use it more in the future.

“We don’t have a throw-in coach like Liverpool or some other places, but we will try to see if we can be dangerous in those moments.”

Although an ankle injury had ended Crysencio Summerville’s season, there was positive news on Bamford, who had been targeting the final games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford for his return from a rupture of the foot.

“Crysencio Summerville picked up an injury in the last training before the Palace match, which is really unfortunate because he’s been on really good form,” the coach revealed. “He twisted his ankle and will be done for the season.

“Patrick will not be ready but I suspect and can probably expect he will be on the pitch next week.

“Let’s see, we have to be cautious, but we’re all optimistic about Patrick at this moment.”

Marsch does not think the fact tomorrow’s game sits between the legs of a European Cup semi-final against Real Madrid will have any bearing – not when even a draw for Liverpool at Newcastle United in the early kick-off could send City down to second.

“If they have a slip up in the league, that title is in jeopardy, so I expect a good team, a clear team on the pitch, and a mentality to make sure they do everything they can to get the result,” he said. “If it was maybe four points or five points that they lead (by), I think it’d be different. They can’t afford to slip up and we know that.”