Kalvin Phillips: Agbonlahor issues ‘behind closed doors’ claim after confirmed Leeds United news
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Leeds United stars Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper may have played a much-needed 90 minutes behind closed doors during the international break.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Whites may have arranged bounce games with the under-23s or other senior sides in order to build the pair’s fitness.
Leeds United revealed via club media on Sunday (27 March) that Phillips, 26, and Cooper, 30, have trained over the international break and will currently be available to play minutes against Southampton on Saturday (2 April).
The pair have been sidelined since limping off in the same game – a 2-2 draw against Brentford in early December 2021.
Leeds United host Southampton this Saturday (2 April) with the opportunity to move 10 points clear of relegation danger.
Agbonlahor hinted that Jesse Marsch could start the duo if they have come out of the rigorous training schedule unscathed.
When asked what part Phillips and Cooper could play this weekend, told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it depends on what they’ve been doing during the international break.
“Players and managers often use this break to play practice games with the under-23 side or arrange friendlies behindclosed doors with other sides.
“For all we know they could have played a couple games during these two weeks and could well have already got that 90 minutes under their belts.
“The manager could see them as ready to start, you never know. It all hinges on how they’ve done during the break.”
Leeds United sit 16th in the Premier League.
The Whites have conceded the most goals (67) of any top-flight side this season.
In other news, pundit claims Patrick Bamford could suffer issues “forever” after Leeds United injury reveal.