Whelan hails ‘brilliant’ Phillips news after Leeds injury latest
Noel Whelan has hailed the “brilliant” decision to allow Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to undergo surgery to fix a hamstring problem.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it is “vitally important” that the 26-year-old can “get the treatment he needs” and make a full recovery.
As per The Athletic (13 December), Phillips has undergone successful surgery to repair a hamstring injury sustained as Leeds United drew 2-2 against Brentford earlier this month.
The report claims the England midfielder will be missing for at least two months as a result of the procedure.
The 26-year-old was also sidelined for two games in October after suffering a calf injury.
When asked about Phillips’ surgery, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a really sensible move.
“We know how integral and important Kalvin is, and his value to this team will have demanded the surgery to take place in order to sort it out properly.
“No one wants to be without their talisman, but Leeds United will also realise that having him long-term is better than playing with a Kalvin Phillips that might be in and out of the team with the same problem.
“It’s vitally important that he gets the treatment he needs. If that means we have to go without Kalvin for two months, but then we get him for the next 12 – then brilliant.”
Phillips has played 12 Premier League games for Leeds United this season, grabbing one assist.
The Whites sit 15th in the top flight, five points clear of 18th-place Burnley.
In other news, Whelan suggests Raphinha among seven Leeds United stars causing “massive worry” for Bielsa after latest.