By Russell Edge

23rd Dec, 2017 | 6:02pm

Christiansen hands Leeds major boost after double blow v Hull

Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen has delivered a positive update on the status of Samuel Saiz and Kalvin Phillips after their respective blows for the clash against Hull City.

The Spanish attacker was completely ruled out of the match as a result of a calf strain, while the midfielder, who was named among the starting XI, found himself replaced by Eunan O’Kane at half time.

Speaking after the game, Christiansen confirmed, via the personal Twitter account of BBC journalist Adam Pope, that he is confident that Saiz will be fully fit for the boxing day clash against Burton, while Phillips was not 100 per cent prior to kick off hence his replacement.

News of Saiz’s fitness will come as a massive boost to the club, with the 26-year-old having been a major part of the Whites’ first team this season.

He has now missed just three of their 23 league games during the current campaign, chipping in with five goals and providing a further five assists for his team mates.

Fellow countryman Pablo Hernandez was chosen as his replacement for the clash against Hull at Elland Road, and it was the 32-year-old’s first half goal which separated the two sides in Leeds’ 1-0 win, securing a top six place for Christmas.

In other Leeds United news, the club’s star attacker has delivered a crucial update on his injury status.