Pundit wants Leeds January signings after ‘massive’ Kalvin Phillips blow
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson has called on Leeds United to go “strong” in the January transfer window with the squad decimated by injuries.
Leeds lost 7-0 away at Manchester City on Tuesday night as Marcelo Bielsa had to cope without the likes of Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo.
According to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, 26-year-old Phillips has had to undergo surgery on a hamstring injury and that means he’s expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines.
Robinson is absolutely gutted with the news about Phillips and while he’s happy to see the Under-23s players getting a chance in the first team now, he says it puts the spotlight on how badly they need new additions in January.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News about the Phillips update on Monday (13 December), Robinson said: “Massive blow. They’re massive problems. It’s been a problem all season.
“Bamford with his hamstring, Phillips is going to be out for a long time, Cooper’s out, Struijk’s out, Koch’s out.
“I’ve said it so many times before but it just highlights the need for them to go into the transfer market in January. They have to and they have to go in strong.
“The strength in depth has really been tested this year and it’s not taken the test that it’s had. They’ve really, really struggled.
“When you look at the bench [at Chelsea], there was Gelhardt, Cresswell, Drameh, Summerville, McKinstry, McCarron and Jenkins. All of those kids are from the Under-23s.
“Yes, it’s fantastic to see the young players coming through – that’s what we want to see – but not to the detriment of their development and the team’s detriment.
“Leeds need players back and with Phillips out for so long, they have to go into the market.
“We’ve seen how they’ve struggled without Bamford for the length of time they’ve had.”
In other Leeds United news, the Daily Mail has reared its ugly head again with a disgraceful story about this Whites ace.