Leeds: £26m star now 'a bit of a worry' at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United forward Rodrigo being out injured is a bit of a worry for the Whites, says journalist Dean Jones.

The Yorkshire club are not in the best position right now after being forced to sack Jesse Marsch, while the forward's absence does not help matters.

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Leeds injury news - Rodrigo

Rodrigo recently picked up an ankle injury and is expected to be in the stands for up to eight weeks.

"Rodrigo faces two months on the sidelines following an ankle injury sustained in last Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Accrington Stanley," a statement on Leeds' official website read at the start of February.

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It comes as a huge blow to the Whites, with the 31-year-old having been in great form before his injury.

As per Transfermarkt, he has scored 12 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season.

What has Dean Jones said about Rodrigo?

Jones has described Rodrigo's absence as a "worry".

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist said: "Having Rodrigo out, it's somebody they can't call on at a time of need. It's a bit of a worry."

Just how good has Rodrigo been for Leeds this season?

As mentioned earlier, he has really impressed this term, registering against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.

In total, the Spain international has scored 10 times in the Premier League. To put that into perspective, last season, he found the back of the net on just six occasions in 31 top-flight outings (also per Transfermarkt).

"Rodrigo’s been key for Leeds, certainly before the [World Cup] break. Five goals in four matches, scored some important goals. Particularly those against Spurs - I know they lost the game, but he was really lively in that game," former England and Chelsea forward Eni Aluko said back in December (via LeedsLive).

"I think what Jesse Marsch has done, his resurgence under Marsch, under [Marcelo] Bielsa he’s playing in sort of more of a number 10 role. It wasn’t really his role."

Ultimately, to lose Rodrigo in the middle of a relegation battle is a bitter blow and one Marsch's successor could do without.

It is not as if his absence has left Leeds with nothing in attack, though. They still have Patrick Bamford and managed to bring Georginio Rutter in last month.

The Whites will now be hoping that they can step up while Rodrigo, who cost the club £26m when he joined from Valencia, as reported by BBC Sport, remains unavailable for selection.