Whelan delivers four-word verdict after Raphinha & Phillips latest pre-Leeds v Tottenham
Noel Whelan has admitted he fears both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha could miss out for Leeds United against Tottenham on Saturday.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites needed the pair back as soon as possible after a dismal display against Brighton last weekend.
As confirmed on Thursday, both Phillips and Raphinha face late fitness tests ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off against Spurs.
The duo missed out as Leeds slumped to a 2-0 defeat on the south coast last weekend.
Raphinha is still recovering from a blow suffered against Manchester City, while Phillips picked up a knock to the knee.
Asked for his verdict on the two star players’ chances playing, Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “It doesn’t sound great”.
He added: “I’m hopeful that the two of them will be fit. I think it’s one of those games where we really could do with the two of them back.
“We’ve lost seven games out of the nine without Kalvin Phillips so that says in itself how important he is to the side.
“With Raphinha, he would want to impress on the stage against the team like Tottenham. We need those two back if possible. If not, then we just need a better performance than we put in last week.”
Leeds have only beat Aston Villa and Southampton in the nine Premier League games Phillips has missed this term.
He sat out four games with a calf injury in February and missed three matches with a shoulder injury between October and November.
Meanwhile, Raphinha had started 23 consecutive games before being sidelined.
In other news, Leeds United are confident of signing attacking midfielder for cut-price fee.