Leeds United news: Pundit makes ‘astronomical’ Kalvin Phillips claim after update on ‘massive’ blow
Alex McLeish has insisted the return of Kalvin Phillips could have an “astronomical” impact for Leeds United in their relegation fight.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland manager admitted the 26-year-old has been a “massive loss” for the Whites this season.
As confirmed at his press conference on Wednesday (9 March), Jesse Marsch confirmed he is hoping to have Phillips available after the upcoming international break.
That would mean the midfielder could be available for Leeds’ final eight games of the season.
McLeish insisted losing both Phillips and Patrick Bamford to long-term injuries has been a hammer blow for the Whites.
Discussing Phillips’ potential comeback, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He’s a massive loss. When Leeds are deprived of the likes of Phillips, Bamford, that’s two of your best players.
“The difference those two players can make that team is astronomical. To the point where it lands you in the position they’re in at the moment.
“You plummet down that league or you don’t get up from the bottom end. You end up in a battle against relegation for the rest of the season.
“To lose these players, especially when you’re not laden with a massive laden squad like Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City, they’ve got 11 squad players that could easily finish in the top half of the league.”
Phillips’ last appearance for Leeds came in the 2-2 draw with Brentford back in December.
He has managed to play just 15 times across all competitions this season.
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