Phil Hay: Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips may be out until February
Phil Hay has hinted that Leeds United duo Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips may be out until February with their injuries.
The Whites duo both picked up hamstring injuries against Brentford at the start of the month in the 2-2 draw at Elland Road.
Phillips even had surgery on a separate issue, with Hay insisting at the “earliest” they could return at the end of January.
Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Hay shared the latest on the two injuries and how the timescale for a return was currently looking.
“Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips, two of the most regular fixtures in Bielsa’s line-up, are not expected to return from hamstring injuries until the end of January at the earliest.”
Break needed.
This little two-game break of postponements could do the Whites the world of good looking at their injury problems.
Phillips and Cooper are usually two of Marcelo Bielsa’s consistent choices that he can rely on at the spine of his side – with them two gone, we have looked more fragile than ever.
The end of January “at the earliest” doesn’t sound too good, and with a jam-packed schedule for next month, transfer action is needed.
With Diego Llorente and Robin Koch now looking as though they are both ready, that partnership will finally get a chance for one of the first times in over a year.
Replacing or covering Phillips is where Victor Orta needs to get to work, with Adam Forshaw better one role forward in midfield.
The window is nearly open, and these two games being called off has given the Whites time to go and get their man, because we will be without two of ours for another month at least.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action