Marcelo Bielsa confirms Rodrigo will miss Leeds United's trip to Crystal Palace, delivers good news on Raphinha

The Spanish international was absent for last night's defeat to Leicester City having had to self-isolate following a 'close contact' with someone who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

Leeds' policy throughout the pandemic has been not to comment on COVID testing related issues and although they did issue a brief statement at 7pm last night to coincide with the naming of Bielsa's squad to face Leicester, confirming the reason for Rodrigo's absence, the club did not say when he would be available to play again.

Bielsa revealed he would be without his record signing for the weekend's game.

"There is a regulation in place for people who have been in contact with someone who has the virus," he said.

"He won't be available for Saturday."

Premier League guidance says that a player coming into contact with a person who tests positive should adhere to the government's suggested 14 day self isolation period, but the YEP understands there can be exemptions, on a case by case basis, when repeated negative tests and discussions between club doctors and Public Health England are taken into consideration.

In any case, the trip to Palace will be Leeds' final Premier League outing before the November international break and they won't return to action until November 22 when they face Arsenal at Elland Road.

Rodrigo's fellow new boy Raphinha, a summer deadline day signing from Ligue 1 club Rennes, also missed out last night with an ankle injury.

Bielsa believes it's just a minor niggle, however, that shouldn't deprive him of the Brazilian winger long term.

"For Raphinha I don't think it's an injury that will keep him out for long," he said.

Both Kalvin Phillips and Diego Llorente remain on the injured list for Leeds, with Adam Forshaw still a long term absentee.