Leeds United news: Expert issues ‘huge’ Kalvin Phillips claim after comeback update
Danny Mills has admitted Leeds United “need” Kalvin Phillips back as soon as possible with the midfielder closing in on a return to fitness.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds defender insisted the 26-year-old’s comeback would be “huge” in the Whites’ fight against relegation.
As reported by the Athletic on Thursday (24 February), Leeds have pencilled in the home clash with Aston Villa (10 March) as a potential return date for both Phillips and Patrick Bamford.
The midfielder has not played since suffering a hamstring injury against Brentford in early December.
Mills admitted no one else at Elland Road has managed to fill the void left by Phillips.
Asked if he thought returning players could inspire Leeds to pull clear of the relegation zone, Mills told Football Insider’s Connor Whitley: “Kalvin Phillips, definitely.
“Kalvin is a massive miss, a huge miss. They need him back big time. That is a problem, simple as that.
“Anyone that watched Leeds in the Championship will have seen it in the Championship. Playing games, Leeds would be attacking on the edge of the 18-yard box of the opposition.
“It would break down and all of a sudden, within a couple of passes they’d be attacking the back four. There’s a huge chasm and gaping hole in the midfield.
“Kalvin Phillips negates that. He’s in there to stop that, that’s what he does. When he’s not there, unfortunately, there’s no one else looking to replicate what he does.”
Leeds play Tottenham and Leicester City before Aston Villa.
Phillips has missed Leeds last 10 league games.
The Whites have conceded 34 goals during his lengthy absence.
In other news, injury expert claims another Leeds United player’s season may be over after surgery reveal.