Kalvin Phillips: Leeds United employee reveals ‘massive’ development ‘money can’t buy’
Kalvin Phillips could make his Leeds United return against Southampton after “ramping up” his recovery during the international break, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old is one of a number of players who will benefit from “invaluable” time on the training ground with new boss Jesse Marsch.
As per the Yorkshire Evening Post (22 March), only seven players will link up with their national sides during the break – Stuart Dallas, Charlie Cresswell, Diego Llorente, Sam Greenwood, Lewis Bate, Kristoffer Klaesson, and Illan Meslier.
Long-term injury absentees Phillips and Liam Cooper returned to the bench against Wolves as Leeds United came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 last Friday (18 March).
Whelan suggested the Whites academy graduate could be targeting a return to action against Southampton on 2 April.
“A two-week break off the back of a win like that will lift the spirits massively,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“We’ve got a lot of players who aren’t involved in any internationals, and that time with the manager will be invaluable.
“He will have most players available to work with at the training ground for two weeks as we go into this run-in – you just cannot buy that sort of time together when you come in mid-season.
“It’ll be a really happy thought for Jesse Marsch.
“The likes of Kalvin Phillips will be ramping it up and we could even see him against Southampton after the break.
“I’m sure some of the players will have wanted to go away with their countries, but it will be massive for Leeds’ chances of survival.”
Marsch has won two of his four games in charge of Leeds United since succeeding Marcelo Bielsa last month.
The Whites sit seven points clear of the relegation zone.
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