Leeds United's forwards department seems to be somewhat cursed. Why is it always that once one comes back fully fit from injury, another goes down needing surgery?
Either way, this is simply the hand the Whites have been dealt this season. First, it was Patrick Bamford who has missed eight matches after multiple repeat injuries - be it hernia operations, shoulder issues or groin surgeries.
Other, much younger, players like Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto have proved useful in securing vital points at key moments this season in Bamford's absence. But during his time off the field, one man was arguably putting the club on his back with his consistently solid performances in front of goal - Rodrigo.
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The club's top goalscorer this season with 12 in all competitions, Jesse Marsch's men would've seen very little of the limited success that they have in this campaign without him, having been involved in 31% of their 39 total goals this season.
But now he's set for a spell on the sidelines - a bad tackle in their FA Cup fourth round match against Accrington Stanley has seen the Spaniard require surgery after scans showed bone and ligament damage to his ankle joint.
Being out for two months after such a strong first half of the season is sure to be a blow to the confidence of Rodrigo - but that knock will be lessened if he sees his teammate Bamford take the reins from where he left off.
The 29-year-old has already come back in red hot form since his groin surgery in December, netting twice against Cardiff in the FA Cup and once against Aston Villa while simultaneously finding two assists against the 'Owd Reds in that 3-1 win at Wham Stadium last week.
With key matches coming up against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and back-to-back games against historic rivals Manchester United - games Rodrigo would've no doubt fancied himself in - Bamford must step up like his teammate has previously and be nailed on in front of goal to help the Whites climb the Premier League table and avoid the drop.
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