Kalvin Phillips carried first-half knock in Leeds v Brighton
Leeds United were held to a goalless draw by Brighton and Hove Albion at the AMEX stadium on Saturday, and they lost Kalvin Phillips to a knock.
The England international midfielder started the game but was replaced by Jamie Shackleton at half-time, and Sky Sports reported (via Football Daily’s official Twitter account) that he was withdrawn due to an injury.
They said: “It looks like Kalvin Phillips is going off with what we think is an injury ahead of the second half.”
Leeds journalists Beren Cross and Graham Smyth also confirmed it on their respective Twitter accounts ahead of the second half.
The Leeds-Live correspondent posted: “Struijk and Shackleton on for Firpo and Phillips, who was carrying a knock in that first half.”
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said: “Struijk and Shackleton on for Firpo and Phillips. Phillips was feeling his calf during that first half.”
Huge blow
Leeds have suffered injuries from the first day of the season, and it appears they have been dealt another massive blow.
Withdrawing Phillips could have just been a precaution, and nobody will know much about the seriousness of the knock until scans are carried out later in the week, but the initial signs do not look good.
With Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch all yet to return to full fitness, having their influential join them in the treatment room is the last thing Leeds want right now.
While Adam Forshaw, Pascal Struijk and Shackleton can all play effectively well in midfield, the Whites cannot afford to rely solely on them ahead of the tough run of games.
They host Crystal Palace on Tuesday before welcoming Brentford this weekend, and those two games are followed by clashes against Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Being without Phillips for those games will be a massive blow, and Leeds will be hoping that does not happen.
In other Leeds United news, a major update on Whites January bid to sign attacker has been provided, with pen-to-paper imminent.