Agbonlahor thrilled by Phillips news emerging from Leeds
Kalvin Phillips needs to start for Leeds United against Norwich City, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward claimed Leeds have shown without Phillips they are not good enough.
The midfielder has not featured in the Premier League since the beginning of October after struggling with a calf strain.
He pulled out of the England squad this month with the injury and only made his return against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Phillips managed the full 90 minutes at the Emirates as the Whites suffered a 2-0 defeat and were knocked out of the competition.
Marcelo Bielsa revealed in his pre-Norwich press conference that he will be “available” for the trip to Carrow Road on Sunday.
The Yorkshire giants have lost nine of the 12 games Phillips has missed since their return to the Premier League last year.
They have won just once and drawn twice in his absence.
Asked whether the 25-year-old should be thrown straight back into the starting XI, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “They need him.
“I’d put him straight back in, as long as he’s fit enough and ready.
“Leeds have shown without Phillips, they’re a different team. He controls games, he starts off attacks.
“If he’s fit, I’d definitely put him back in.”
Phillips has played 220 times for his boyhood club across all competitions after making his debut in 2015.
The Leeds-born star is under contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2024.
In other news, an injury expert fears a Leeds United star is at risk of yet another ‘awful’ setback.