Leeds United journalist Phil Hay has dropped an update on Raphinha, regarding his availability next weekend...

What's the latest?

The Athletic journalist has revealed that the winger could have been involved against Southampton at the weekend after returning from international duty with Brazil.

Raphinha ended up watching on from the stands, with Marcelo Bielsa opting to hand him a rest, but it does mean that he should be fine to face Wolves next weekend. His isolation after returning from his own country will not rule him out of any matches after the Premier League reached an agreement with FIFA.

Delight

Leeds fans will surely be delighted by this news as it indicates that Raphinha will be able to line up from the start against Wolves at Elland Road on Saturday. He was a huge miss against Southampton last Saturday as they lost 1-0 to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side and lacked the spark he provides out wide.

The Brazil international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 in the Premier League this season, the highest score within the first-team squad. This highlights his importance to the side and why his absence was felt at St. Mary's as he watched Jack Harrison and Dan James struggle out wide.

In the 2020/21 campaign, his teammate Patrick Bamford lauded the quality he has by providing a training anecdote. He told Sky Sports:

"I think, to be honest, he has been a steal for Leeds. I am surprised. As soon as he came in, you saw him in training, you know sometimes with players whether they are good or they are top-class, and he really was. He stood out straight away.

"I am surprised that bigger teams, more established Premier League teams I should say, haven’t taken a punt on him because he really is someone special, and he is young."

The wing wizard enjoyed a sensational first season at Elland Road. He produced six goals and nine assists in 26 starts for the club in the top-flight, showing that he has the quality to score and assist on a regular basis. This suggests that he could have been the difference for Leeds against Southampton at the weekend, which is why they missed him.

However, fans will now be buzzing to read that he is likely to be fit enough to feature against Wolves in the club's next match. Hopefully, he will be able to provide a timely reminder of the impact he can have on the side with a crucial goal or assist to win the match for the Whites.

AND in other news, 12 duels won: Leeds warrior with six tackles was a shining light vs Southampton...