‘Maximum he’ll be out for’ – Exclusive: Paul Robinson reacts to early Leeds team news v Boro
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 Kalvin Phillips has a great chance of making the game against Middlesbrough tonight after picking up an impact injury in the win against Reading.
However, Robinson also added that the “maximum” he’d be out for would be the game tonight if he fails a late fitness test.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Phillips was a doubt for the game at the Riverside tonight in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Phillips limped off before half time in the game at Elland Road on Saturday and said afterwards that he was suffering from a dead calf.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “It’s an impact injury and it can feel a lot worse than it is. It’s really painful at the time but it heals really quickly.
“It’s just a dead calf or a dead leg, it’s 100 times better than a tear or a strain. It’s something he will recover from with ice and compressions.
“Within 48 hours you can be playing on it depending on the severity of it. It depends on the player and how he reacts to treatment.
“The maximum he’ll be out for is the Middlesbrough game if he has to miss any time at all. While you’re playing it’s almost impossible to play on, but 48 hours later you can be fine.”
Leeds fans will be desperately hoping that Phillips recovers in time for the game tonight.
He was back to his absolute best in the 1-0 win against Bristol City, although Leeds coped well without him on Saturday.
If he doesn’t make it, the good news is that he should be back for the trip to Hull at the weekend.
Gjanni Alisoki is the likely stand-in tonight if needed.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Just turn up; Points are yours’ – Some Boro fans fume after report drops ahead of clash v Leeds