Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips says that he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from the knee injury which kept him out of the club's title-winning run-in last month.
Phillips suffered the injury during the 1-0 win over Swansea City and was ruled out for five weeks, meaning he was forced to watch the club's final three matches from the sidelines.
His teammates finished the job in style, winning their final three matches and securing the title by ten points as Leeds' 16-year Premier League exile came to a close.
Phillips sported a knee brace when he joined in for the trophy presentation at Elland Road after the 4-0 in over Charlton and with these celebrations now over, he is hard at work on ensuring he is fit for the start of the Premier League next month.
"I've been away with Tyler [Roberts], Ben [White] and some of the lads for a few days, then as soon as I came back, I've started working on the physio for my knee," Phillips told Leeds United's official website.
"It's all looking good, I'm just happy that I'm looking after myself and I'm probably a couple of weeks ahead of schedule."
The new Premier League season is set to start on September 12.
Phillips also addressed speculation of an approach by Jamaica to persuade him to represent the Caribbean nation internationally.
The 24-year-old was believed to have been on the verge of an England call-up before the coronavirus pandemic hit, but also qualifies for Jamaica through his father.
"I've always wanted to play international football, whether that be with Jamaica or England, so hopefully I can step up and make an appearance," he said. "That's one key thing for me, but as a team I just want us to keep the good results coming and hopefully push on into the top 10 [in the Premier League]."
Earlier this summer, England boss Gareth Southgate name checked Phillips when talking about potential new call-ups.
“I’m very conscious there will be a group of around 30 to 35 who have been in and around our squad the past 12-18 months, who will be in the frame, but there will be some guys who come late," he said.
“We’ve talked about those two but it could be a Ben White, who has been on loan at Leeds, or a Kalvin Phillips, that haven’t played Premier League football yet.
"Those sorts of players could come into the frame. We’re always open to what it looks like.”
Phillips made 40 appearances for Leeds United in their title-winning campaign and is set to be key part of their upcoming Premier League return.
