Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips could make his return from injury to start this weekend's Premier League against Arsenal.
Phillips has missed Leeds’ last three games with a shoulder injury, but manager Marcelo Bielsa revealed in his pre-match press conference that he is ready to re-join the team.
Leeds have struggled recently, losing 4-1 to both Leicester City and Crystal Palace before the international break.
Phillips is a key player for Bielsa’s side, playing in a deep-lying midfield role in which he is responsible for winning the ball back and putting his team on the front foot.
When asked if Phillips was fit enough to start the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday at Elland Road, Bielsa replied, as reported by Leeds Live : “It’s probable. I can’t guarantee it, but it’s probable.”
Forward Rodrigo will also be involved, having not featured since 23 October after testing positive for Covid-19, but Bielsa suggested the Spaniard is likely to begin the game on the bench.
New signing Diego Llorente and youngster Jamie Shackleton remain unavailable, while Pablo Hernandez will be sidelined after picking up a muscular injury in the international break.
“We will add Pablo to the injury list as he picked up a muscular injury during this break. Nothing serious, but he won’t be able to play this weekend,” Bielsa said.
“What happened with Llorente was he was injured, recovered and had a relapse in training. He is now cured, but because of the relapse he is being given extra time to fully get back to be sure.”
Arsenal, who sit 11th in the Premier League table, travel to Yorkshire looking to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa before the international break.
Mikel Arteta will be without midfielder Thomas Partey due to a thigh problem, while Mohamed Elneny is a doubt after testing positive for Covid-19 on international duty with Egypt.
