Pundit Exclusive: Leeds rocked by ‘big blow’ as another key player set for the sidelines
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 that losing Kalvin Phillips to suspension is a “big blow” that will rock Leeds who are already suffering from having three centre-backs out injured.
Phillips picked up his fifth booking of the season in the final minutes of the 3-0 defeat to Spurs on Saturday.
Under new rules, the FA Cup match against Crawley doesn’t count for his suspension, which he’ll serve in the next Premier League game against Brighton.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “It’s a big blow for Leeds, especially with what’s going on at the back.
“Last season we countered the problem with Ben White playing there.
“When Phillips was out the first time we really struggled to find the answer. In the second period he was out for, Ben White slotted in there and a did a job.
“I think Robin Koch would have played there but the huge problem is having three centre-backs out injured and Kalvin Phillips out.
“You’d have to look at Klich dropping in there with Pascal Struijk and Luke Ayling at centre-back.
“That’s far from ideal, with a right-back and someone so experienced as Struijk as your centre-back pairing.
“Phillips is the absolute lynchpin of this Leeds side.”
Phillips will be a big miss against Brighton and ironically it will see Leeds line up against Ben White for the first time since the defender returned to the Amex after his successful loan season.
Brighton have an abundance of centre-backs – so much so that White has been used by Potter in midfield.
Bielsa has an entirely different problem to deal with.
In other Leeds United news, Shocker: Bielsa has just made massive blunder with essential £50k/wk Leeds ace – MOT View