Raphinha will likely add to Leeds absent list at Southampton

Brazilian forward Raphinha, who has been one of their most influential players in attack since signing for the club from France’s Ligue One, will likely not be available considering that Brazil’s final game ends just 36 hours before Saints vs Leeds kicks off.

This week the winger could make his international debut after he was handed a place in manager Tite's side for games against Venezuela, Colombia and finally Uruguay.

Tite was asked by press if his players from Premier League clubs would be allowed to return early before the Uruguay contest in order to not miss any action, and he categorically denied the request.

Read more

• Stuart Armstrong explains his extended calf injury concern
• Jamie O'Hara names Saints in rant about cutting EPL size to remove 'dross'
• James Ward-Prowse arrives at England camp with Southampton bags

This comes after vital Leeds midfielder and England’s player of the year for 2021, Kalvin Phillips, was forced to withdraw from the Three Lions squad due to injury – replaced by Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse.

Speaking to press, Tite confirmed that Raphinha won’t leave early, saying: “(With) less than 36-hours between games... I suspect not (he won’t be ready to play).

Brazilian coach Tite saw his team's game against Argentina called off due to health officials detaining Argentina players mid-game last month (Pic: PA)

“There was never that possibility (leaving early). They were called up for the three games.”

That means he joins Phillips, star striker Patrick Bamford – who is nursing an ankle injury and has no prospective return date as of yet – defender Luke Ayling, Robin Koch (groin), Adam Forshaw (thigh) and Crysencio Summerville as a doubt for the St Mary’s clash.

📆 #OnThisDay last year, Raphinha touched down and signed for #LUFC pic.twitter.com/z6hBvjso3W

— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 5, 2021

Leeds managed to pick up their first win of the season against Watford during the most recent matchday, seven games into the campaign, and sparked the sacking of Xisco Munoz – the first of the Premier League season.

But they will be going into the Saints game with a depleted squad, despite the rest and recovery time that an international break allows.

Saints will too be depleted marginally, with central-defender Jack Stephens still out with his knee injury and likely will be until the New Year, while captain Ward-Prowse will serve the first of a three-match ban for his straight red card at Stamford Bridge.