Championship

Elphick recalled by Villa on eve of Leeds clash

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Image for Elphick recalled by Villa on eve of Leeds clash

Hull City won’t be able to call upon Tommy Elphick in their Championship clash against Leeds United today (SATURDAY) after his loan deal was terminated, according to Phil Hay.

The Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent reported on his personal Twitter account that the key defender misses the Elland Road clash following Villa’s decision to recall him from his season-long loan with immediate effect.

Hay insisted the absence of the 31-year-old is a “blow” for the 15th-placed visitors against the in-form table toppers.

OPINION

The loss of Elphick is a shattering blow for Hull, who had originally signed the centre-back on a season-long loan back in the summer. He has been a mainstay of their team this season, starting their last 18 league matches and demonstrating why he is such an asset at Championship level. Little wonder Villa have exercised the recall option in his loan deal given their own defensive deficiencies in the opening half of the campaign. Hull’s loss can only be Leeds’ gain, given how Elphick has been central to the turnaround at the KC Stadium, which has yielded  four wins in their last five league matches. United are flying high after seven consecutive wins, but their recent matches have been close, and it can only benefit the hosts, led by in-form spearhead, that they won’t have to combat Elphick, who has been Hull’s outstanding defender this season.

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