The Argentine opted to keep the Spanish international on the sidelines, sending on Tyler Roberts to play the number 10 role in the second half when replacing Mateusz Klich.
The head coach would have played Rodrigo from the start, however, had he not picked up a niggle in training.
"During the week he had a slight muscular issue, from which he recovered quickly," said Bielsa.
"If that hadn't happened he would have been our offensive midfielder in the game today."
Last season was a frustrating one for Rodrigo after a £27m move from Valencia, injuries and Covid-19 disrupting his rhythm and preventing him from showing the best of his ability. He did end the campaign on a high however with a flurry of goals and impressed Bielsa with his efforts both during the summer break and once pre-season began.
"I have a lot of confidence in the qualities of Rodrigo," he said.
"During his holidays he did physical work that was very important. During the six weeks of pre-season he's the player who shone the most in those weeks. I have a lot of hopes for him that in this season he is going to show all the qualities he has. In the game today I opted to put Klich and Tyler. He could have played, that's why he was a substitute but I preferred that the two players that I named came on instead."
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League speculation below…
1. Saints keen on Christie
Southampton are keen on Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie. Burnely are also interested in the Scotland international, who is out of contract in Glasgow at the end of the year. (The Sun) (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Photo: Fran Santiago
2. Longstaff in demand
Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, and Huddersfield Town are all in the hunt to sign Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff this summer. (The Sun) (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
3. Toon favourites for Jones
Newcastle United are joint favourites to sign Manchester United defender Phil Jones, alongside Southampton. (SkyBet) (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
4. Clarets in for Hughes
Burnley are looking to sign Watford midfielder Will Hughes. The 26-year-old is currently training with the U23’s side after being cut from the first-team. (Daily Mail) (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Photo: Richard Heathcote
5. Foxes want McNeil
Leicester City are prioritising a summer swoop for Burnley starlet Dwight McNeil, with Brendan Rodgers keen on signing a left winger. (Fichajes) (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Photo: Lewis Storey
6. Bissouma touted for Manchester move
Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has led the praise for Brighton star Yves Bissouma, stating that he would not be surprised if the 24-year-old ended up at Manchester City or Manchester United. (Match of the Day) (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) Photo: Eddie Keogh