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Beren Cross shares if Phillips & Raphinha will start for Leeds v Spurs
Leeds United have been handed the major boost of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips returning to training ahead of their Premier League clash v Spurs.
Marcelo Bielsa has a decision to make with both having picked up injuries in recent weeks, with Raphinha having been missing since the Manchester City clash.
Beren Cross has reported that Phillips is expected to start on Saturday, but cast doubt on the fitness of Raphinha given the severity of his blow.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, Cross shared that one is more likely to start than the other at Elland Road tomorrow.
“Given he’s only missed a week, expecting Phillips to return, but tough to call on Raphinha after so long out,” he said.
“May be too important to leave out, but Bielsa hates starting players when they can’t do themselves justice.”
Given he's only missed a week, expecting Phillips to return, but tough to call on Raphinha after so long out. May be too important to leave out, but Bielsa hates starting players when they can't do themselves justice. #lufc https://t.co/YGuMh5YCyA
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) May 7, 2021
Big boost.
Given that our survival in the Premier League is confirmed, there is no need to risk either player if they aren’t feeling 100%.
Phillips was a last-minute drop-out against Manchester United, so after missing only one game, Cross is right to feel more comfortable about his status.
Raphinha was suffering from a real thigh problem after being clattered by Fernandinho, so if the swelling has gone down, he could have a decent shout of starting.
With Helder Costa out for the rest of the season, if Bielsa isn’t confident starting Ian Poveda, the Brazilian is the only option left.
This would be a huge boost to have our two best players back available.
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