‘Huge blow’ – Exclusive: Pundit claims Leeds could be left short v Liverpool after player news
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has said it would be a “huge blow’ if Leeds have to line up without Kalvin Phillips and Ben White for the game against Liverpool.
Ben White is back at Brighton after a successful season-long loan with Leeds. Brighton have said they will not consider selling him to Leeds as they see them as a direct rival. [Sky Sports]
Meanwhile, there are doubts about whether Phillips will be fit for the Premier League opener after he missed the last three games of the season.
Athletic journalist Phil Hay said it would be a “close” call for Phillips, who will be trying to get match fit for the weekend of September 12.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “Pascal Struijk came in at the end of the season and did well but I don’t think he‘s a long-term holding midfield option for Leeds.
“He looked like a centre-back playing a holding midfielder to me. It would be a huge blow if Kalvin Phillips and Ben White aren’t there but there’s a long time between now and the end of the season.
“In my opinion, Leeds need two centre-halves and if Kalvin Phillips isn’t going to be fit, is that another position that Leeds look at for recruitment?
“I don’t think Struijk is an option against Liverpool and if Phillips is out and White doesn’t come back then it’s another position they need to look at.
“If Leeds don’t sign White then they’re going to struggle to find a player who can play centre-back and holding midfield.
“It means you’re going to have to sign two centre-backs and a holding midfielder. I think it’s another position Leeds will be looking at.”
Leeds fans will be desperately hoping that Kalvin Phillips is fit but Marcelo Bielsa won’t want to rush him back until he’s 100%.
Liverpool away will be one of the sternest tests that Leeds will face all season and it would be an entirely new experience for Struijk, who filled in for Phillips in the Championship.
Struijk has only played five games for Leeds.
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