Pundit: Leeds locked in ‘relegation battle’ after ‘desperate’ update
It is “desperate times” for Leeds United and they will be sucked into a relegation battle if they do not invest in the January transfer window, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted Leeds need to sign a replacement for long-term absentee Kalvin Phillips.
The Athletic reported on Monday (13 December) Phillips has had surgery on his hamstring injury and he will be out for at least two months.
His absence was keenly felt during the 7-0 loss to Man City yesterday (14 December).
As quoted by Leeds Live after the game, Marcelo Bielsa reiterated his stance that it would be difficult to strengthen his squad given the budget restraints the Whites operate in.
“I think they need to sign a replacement for Phillips, 100 per cent,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Leeds cannot afford to mess around, it’s such an important position to be lost. When you play where he plays and the job that he does, they need to get someone in there to help.
“But Leeds needed investment in their squad without the injuries. Now it’s even more desperate times, and Bielsa doesn’t appear to be pushing for new signings.
“Look at their bench, there are so many young players. They need investment.
“If they go through January without bringing in any players they are in real risk of getting into a relegation battle.”
After the defeat at the Etihad, Leeds have now lost 11 of their 13 Premier League games without Phillips since the start of last season.
Their only win without Phillips was the 3-0 victory over Southampton in February of this year.
In other news, Raphinha and Diego Llorente are among seven Leeds United stars causing a ‘massive worry for Bielsa’.