Leeds United journalist Beren Cross has provided some clarity on the injury situation surrounding Kalvin Phillips.
Having initially been announced as part of the England team to take part in their upcoming games against Andorra and Hungary, the Leeds man has had to withdraw from the most recent squad due to a calf strain, with his place being taken by Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
Phillips did recently complete 90 minutes for his club in their recent Premier League victory over Watford, but speaking about the matter on the latest edition of The Blue White and Yellow podcast, Cross explained what the implications were likely to be for him and the club moving forward:
“So we’ve got 11 days until the Southampton game, Leeds are very hopeful that there won’t be any issues with Kalvin, they don’t believe it’s serious enough to keep him out of that game. It’s just a case of he probably wouldn’t have trained too much this week. And if that’s the case, what’s really the point in him going to the England squad and depriving somebody else of an opportunity to play for their country?
“So we think he’ll be okay this week, and if anything, it probably suits Leeds that it’s in the international break because he probably would have been a bit of a doubt for a match this weekend if Leeds had one. So as it is, I think that they’re pretty hopeful that he’ll train next week then he’ll be fine for Southampton.”
TIF Thoughts on Beren Cross’ comments about Kalvin Phillips’ injury situation at Leeds United…
This certainly should come as a boost for Leeds United fans, because there’s no doubting how important he is to this Leeds side, with this recent article laying out the club’s win percentage and goals conceded rate when he is in and out of the team, with the numbers being rather staggering.
Phillips is a player whose impact is felt at both ends of the pitch given that he ranks in the top five for Leeds in tackles, passes and long balls per game (via WhoScored), so any game that he misses will be felt by this Leeds side.
Will England miss Kalvin Phillips in their next two games?
Yes
No
And having picked up their first win of the season at the weekend, if they are to continue that run of form and carry on their task of establishing themselves in the Premier League, then they will need Phillips for as many games as possible. So allowing him this international break to recover should hopefully make sure that he’s in the best possible condition when the games get back underway next weekend.
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