Leeds United announced Javi Gracia as their new manager earlier this week and the Spaniard faces a tough job if he wants to keep the Whites in the Premier League this season.

The Yorkshire outfit sit in 19th position after a woeful run of form, which saw Jesse Marsch lose his job at Elland Road recently, and the 52-year-old will have to have an immediate impact ahead of the remaining fixtures.

Fortunately for the former Watford boss, he looks set to welcome back top scorer Rodrigo ahead of schedule, with a recent report suggesting that the 31-year-old is progressing well with his recovery from injury.

What is the latest news on Rodrigo's injury?

In a recent interview with LeedsLive, the Spain international revealed that he was targeting a return to action next month, despite initial estimates suggesting that he could be sidelined until April.

The experienced forward would pick up his injury in the FA Cup win against Accrington Stanley late last month and underwent surgery on his ankle after coming away with bone and ligament damage.

However, the surgery was clearly a success and Rodrigo feels that he can return early to aid Leeds in their battle against relegation.

He said:

“Feeling much, much better.

“Things are progressing better than I expected, to be honest. We are trying to shorten the recovery period.

“I'm happy about that. Injuries are always a frustrating moment for a football player, but I understand that's part of football as well. I'm trying to do everything I can to be back as soon as possible.”

Could Rodrigo keep Leeds in the Premier League?

Rodrigo has comfortably been Leeds' most dangerous attacking player so far this season, leading the way with 10 goals in the squad, with Crysencio Summerville ranked second with a measly four goals.

He is also ranked as the second-best performer in Leeds' squad according to WhoScored, with only Pascal Struijk bettering his 6.82 average rating across the campaign thus far.

The Whites have just two goals in their last five fixtures, both of which came in the away draw against Manchester United, which suggests that they are clearly lacking an attacking threat in their side.

Rodrigo has averaged 2.9 shots per game in the top flight so far this term, which is comfortably the most of any Leeds player, so it seems fair to suggest that they will look far more dangerous going forward when he returns to action.

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards was full of praise for the former Valencia forward after his phenomenal start to the season, saying (via TEAMtalk):

“Four goals in three now, he’s absolutely on fire. He’s a man playing with confidence.

“When Raphinha goes, you’re looking for someone to step up to the plate and he really has. Not just his goal, he got an assist as well and his whole game. He pressed from the front, absolutely brilliant.”

Therefore, it can only be good news for new manager Gracia that his £100k-per-week forward is nearing a return, as his goals might just be enough to keep the Whites in the Premier League this season.