sport news Marcelo Bielsa refuses to rule Raphinha out of Leeds' trip to Southampton

sport news Marcelo Bielsa refuses to rule Raphinha out of Leeds' trip to Southampton
sport news Marcelo Bielsa refuses to rule Raphinha out of Leeds' trip to Southampton
Marcelo Bielsa refuses to rule Raphinha out of Leeds' trip to Southampton on Saturday despite the winger being poised to start for Brazil just 36 hours beforehand Raphinha could make his first start for Brazil in their clash against Uruguay The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Manaus at 1:30am UK time on Friday  The winger faces a 36-hour turnaround to play in Leeds's game this weekend Marcelo Bielsa's side travel to Southampton on Saturday for a 3pm kick off

View
comments

Marcelo Bielsa has not ruled Raphinha out of Saturday's Premier League game at Southampton despite his involvement with Brazil.

Raphinha is reportedly poised to make his first start for Brazil in the early hours of Friday morning against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.

The 24-year-old faces a 36-hour turnaround to join Bielsa's side who travel to face the Saints on Saturday afternoon but the Leeds boss says Raphinha could still be in contention to feature in the league game.

Marcelo Bielsa refuses to rule Brazilian Raphinha (left) out of Leeds' game on Saturday

Marcelo Bielsa refuses to rule Brazilian Raphinha (left) out of Leeds' game on Saturday 

The 24-year-old could make his first start for Brazil in the early hours of Friday morning

The 24-year-old could make his first start for Brazil in the early hours of Friday morning

'There is no doubt that it's a short turnaround,' Bielsa said. 'The options he has to participate in the game on Saturday depends on whether he plays this final game tonight, how many minutes he plays, how he finishes the game after participating in it and how efficient his rest in the next 36 hours is.

'Considering that a third of those hours he will spend on a flight and if there is any risk that fatigue could cause injuries, then we won't risk it.

'There are so many aspects to consider that I can't offer you any certainty either way.'

Although the government's quarantine rules have been relaxed to allow players to train and play on their return from 'red list' countries while they isolate, some South American Premier League players face tight turnarounds to be able to play in their teams' fixtures this weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa (left) admits it will be a tight turnaround but insists the winger has options

Marcelo Bielsa (left) admits it will be a tight turnaround but insists the winger has options 

Several Premier League sides have chartered a private jet to ensure that their South American players

read more from dailymail.....

PREV sport news Jurrien Timber scores a screamer on his comeback from an eight-month injury ... trends now
NEXT Goal of the year contender and 15-year-old rising star combine to hand City the ...