Moreno gives Bielsa options after declaring himself ready for ‘work’
Forward Rodrigo Moreno is back in training with Leeds United after finishing his isolation period for a positive COVID-19 test.
The 29-year-old missed the 4-1 defeat to Leicester City after coming into contact with someone who tested positive. He then returned a positive coronavirus test himself on November 3 and was forced to self-isolate.
That meant missing the Crystal Palace clash which also finished with Leeds on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline. His period away from the squad has coincided with the international break and so limited the damage of his absence.
Rodrigo – the club’s record signing at £27m – has settled in well at Elland Road. The man capped 25 times by Spain has started three top-flight games, scoring one goal to date.
He has enjoyed seven outings in all competitions, finding the net against Manchester City on October 3. The former Valencia star has trained at Thorp Arch ahead of Sunday’s visit of Arsenal.
It remains to be see if Marcelo Bielsa puts him straight into the starting XI. But he posted a video from a Thorp Arch dressing room on Tuesday with the caption ‘work’.
The Yorkshire side need to hit back after conceding eight goals in two games. Rodrigo’s return would be a bonus against a Gunners side who have also struggled of late.
Mikel Arteta’s men have lost three of their last four and went down 3-0 to Aston Villa before the break. However, two of those defeats were by a 1-0 scoreline to table-topping Leicester City and Manchester City.
Rodrigo move has Beckford buzzing
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford is adamant that Rodrigo is the real deal. Naturally a winger, the Brazilian-born ace has been playing as a number 10.
He has adapted well and Beckford, who scored 71 goals for Leeds, is a big fan of the South American.
“Rodrigo, mate, this guy is amazing,” Beckford told Doing A Leeds podcast. “I didn’t realise how much went through him until that Leicester game.
“We just miss him, we miss that creativity, and the ball sticking in that number 10 role.
“My frustration is that we didn’t get him sooner. I desperately can’t wait for him to come back. Fortunately, he’ll be back after the international break.”
Things will not get any easier after the visit of the north Londoners as Everton are next on the agenda. Bielsa take his charges to Goodison Park on Saturday, November 28.
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