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Football London
Football London
Sport
Robert Warlow

Marcelo Bielsa delivers Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha updates ahead of Leeds United vs Tottenham

Marcelo Bielsa has said Leeds United will continue to monitor Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha on a daily basis ahead of the game against Tottenham this weekend.

However, he has not confirmed whether both could be available for the game at Elland Road.

Phillips missed the 2-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday after picking up a knock behind his knee, with Leeds missing the influential midfielder at the Amex Stadium.

Raphinha was also missed, with the Brazilian sidelined with a hematoma, although he is now closing in on a return to action.

But Bielsa has not confirmed if either will be fit for Saturday's Premier League clash as Spurs visit Yorkshire.

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"They're being evaluated on a daily basis to see whether they can be available," the Leeds boss said at his pre-match press conference.

"We have to wait until Saturday.

"Their presence is subject to an evaluation carried out on a daily basis."

Leeds will be without Helder Costa and Adam Forshaw for the game, with both sidelined with injuries, while captain Liam Cooper is set to return from suspension after being sent off in the Whites' 2-1 win at Manchester City last month.

However, the Leeds captain may have to be content with a place on the bench, with Bielsa praising Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk for their contributions in his absence.

"[Diego] Llorente and Pascal [Struijk] have shown they can live up to the level the previous people who have played in this position were playing at," Bielsa said.

"As you well know, there are other factors taken into consideration when you look at each game. In any case, what I always consider what's best for the team and what's best for each player that participates.

"There is nothing more important than the participation of each player.

"Every time we take a decision you don't only think about the good of the team or you think about the good of a team in each individual.

"Being a starter doesn't just generate a hierarchy within the players available, it doesn't favour any player to be a starter if they are not able to respond at their best level."

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