Leeds United could be set for a huge boost as images of Kalvin Phillips have emerged on social media.
Phillips is a player that has been incredibly important to Leeds over the years under former boss Marcelo Bielsa, being described by Total Football Analysis as their ‘lynchpin’ for what he brings to the side both in attack and defence.
It’s no coincidence then that their poor form over the past few months – that has seen them dragged deep into the relegation battle at the bottom of the table – has occurred at the same time that he has been out injured.
However, things could be about to change for Leeds, at least if some images that have emerged recently are anything to go by:
The club posted pictures on their Twitter account yesterday that showed the 26-year-old training at their Thorp Arch complex, and he appeared to be incredibly happy to be back in the swing of things as he was all smiles when taking part in a number of drills:
What precise stage of his recovery he is at is still uncertain, with football injury expert Ben Dinnery recently stating to Football Insider: “The initial timeline was always going to be around the 12-week period. With the new manager, that has changed the whole dynamic as well.
“I’m always banging the drum that a return to training is not a return to play. There are lots of exercises that a player needs to get through to be in position to return.”
TIF Thoughts on Kalvin Phillips’ potential injury return for Leeds United…
The fact that Phillips is doing things like this should be seen as a rather positive step as it shows he is one step closer to returning, whatever that return date might be. Leeds have desperately needed him back in the side for some time now, and to see him getting closer should be filling supporters with joy.
Would Kalvin Phillips keep Leeds up?
Yes!
No!
As we approach the business end of the season and with Leeds perilously close to being in the bottom three, it is imperative that the Whites can get him back on the field as soon as possible.
Given his importance to the side, you could even make the argument that it would be worth the risk playing him before he’s 100% ready, because even a Phillips at less than full capacity would surely be an improvement on what Leeds have been putting out in recent weeks.
And even if they don’t necessarily win every game, he can help them pick up just enough points to make sure that they don’t make the drop down to the Championship for next season.
In other news: Left in the summer: £5.85m-rated former Leeds ace now has more G/A than Raphinha