The Athletic's Phil Hay has revealed that Raphinha is a "major doubt" for Leeds' clash against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilian missed the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last time out in the top-flight after being forced to limp off in the closing stages of the game against Manchester City.

Marcelo Bielsa's side secured an impressive result against the Reds without him, but there no doubt would have been major hopes that he could make his return for the visit of United.

However, Hay has now revealed via Twitter that the winger is yet to actually train with the first-team since picking up his injury, and is now considered a major doubt for the game at Elland Road.

Given that he is yet to get at least some kind of training in before United, it seems highly unlikely now that Bielsa will be able to count on Raphinha, who has been an absolute revelation for the Whites this season.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: "He’s full of energy, he’s got a (good) work ethic as well where he works for the team, he just does everything right.

"I’m a big fan of his and the recruitment there to find that player, because for £17m, there will be people now scratching their head going ‘why didn’t we get him?'"

Raphinha's performances even led to teammate Patrick Bamford raving about him after the game against Crystal Palace earlier this year, saying on 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 straightaway.

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"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."

Given that he is set to miss out yet again for Leeds, Bielsa will no doubt be gutted that his talisman isn't available to play against United this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Leeds must unleash this "absolutely outrageous" U23s starlet...