Jesse Marsch lifts the lid on risking Rodrigo in Leeds United's FA cup win at Accrington - Leeds Live 4/2/23

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The Spanish forward picked up an injury that'll rule him out for six to eight weeks of the campaign

Jesse Marsch says he wanted to see Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo play together in Leeds United's FA Cup win at Accrington Stanley. However, it was a decision that had mixed consequences as the Whites made it through to the next round of the competition.

It was an easy enough hurdle for Marsch and his men against League One opposition, but Rodrigo picked up a knock that's set to rule him out for six to eight weeks. The Spaniard, who has been the standout performer for the Whites this season, has had an operation on the injury but will miss a large part of the campaign.

The 31-year-old has been a key component in Marsch's tactical set-up this season and the game at Accrington gave the Leeds head coach an opportunity to see Bamford, Rodrigo and new boy Georgino Rutter line-up for the first time this season.

Rodrigo came off the bench in the 69th minute to replace Luis Sinisterra, with the Whites three goals to the good and the tie in the bag.

Marsch said: "We're obviously disappointed. First, as a manager I always feel it's our responsibility to take care of these guys. Trying to manage them physically so that they're not risking their bodies - at harm - and I think we do a pretty good job of that.

"If you went by muscle injuries in this squad over the last year, it's been pretty good. This one was a bit of a contact at the top of the box right at the end of the match and it resulted in a small fracture at the bottom of his tibia, so, you can't protect players all the way.

"They have to play the match and you can't treat them like porcelain. Obviously, after the match when it was 3-0, then you think maybe we shouldn't have played him on the day but the emphasis on putting him out was to get him and Patrick [Bamford] playing together again, so we could have the option of both of them on the pitch at the same time.

"We're disappointed for Rodri but the good part is that Pat is in a good way this week, the best he's felt since I've been here. He's training well, he's in good form, playing well and it's the reason we went out and got Georginio [Rutter].

"I think he played really well at Accrington so he's ready for some big challenges and big moments as well. We have a really strong squad now, really balance and we're excited.

"We're excited for the upcoming matches because we feel that we're really strong."

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