Leeds United will no doubt be buoyed by the return of talismanic midfield presence Kalvin Phillips to their matchday squad set to face Arsenal.
Marcelo Bielsa revealed the England man would be available, saying it was "probable" that he would play. This is huge news for a team who have looked out of sorts at times in recent weeks. The calming presence of Phillips screening opposition attacks in front of the Leeds defence will hopefully shore up the side and stop them leaking goals.
"Phillips is a player who usually plays.
"The players who play regularly, it's always important to count on them. He finds what he needs to improve and correct in his game. And he does this by himself," Bielsa added, suggesting Kalvin is certainly a player who has earned his trust.
Although, the Argentine was more reserved when posed the question concerning Rodrigo's availability to start.
"It is less likely he will start, but he will be there," Bielsa said, all but confirming the Spaniard's inclusion in the matchday squad.
The return of Rodrigo and Phillips offers Leeds plenty of options and different methods of playing. Having the choice to bring Rodrigo on in the second half means Bielsa can change his team to a more attacking outfit if the game is poised at 0-0 and requiring an attacking impetus.
Likewise with Kalvin Phillips, Bielsa is no longer relying on a change of formation, or the more inexperienced Pascal Struijk to deputise in defensive midfield. Phillips' presence in the starting XI means Mateusz Klich can be afforded more creative freedom further up the pitch, rather than being restricted by playing a deeper role.
All in all, the added cohesion just two players provide makes Leeds an altogether different unit, therefore it is likely the team do not fall to a third successive 4-1 defeat at the hands of opponents who could prove to be only superior in name.
Absentees include Adam Forshaw and Gaetano Berardi as to be expected, while Jamie Shackleton has been unable to shake off a knock sustained prior to the Crystal Palace game. Diego Llorente is being cautiously monitored following a previous setback in his injury recovery, but is not far from first-team duty while Pablo Hernandez is the only new injury concern - although his muscle problem is not severe.
There have been recent calls to see under-23 players Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood called up to the first-team fold, although that is as yet unconfirmed. With key players returning from injury, it remains unlikely that the duo will be included in the matchday squad as Jack Jenkins was against Crystal Palace.
Full Leeds United squad: Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Ian Poveda, Patrick Bamford, Ezgjan Alioski, Tyler Roberts, Kiko Casilla, Stuart Dallas, Helder Costa, Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips, Rodrigo, Pascal Struijk, Jack Harrison, Leif Davis, Elia Caprile, Mateusz Klich, Oliver Casey
