Phil Hay shares Kalvin Phillips fitness update ahead of Leeds United v Watford

Jesse Marsch told Phil Hay that Kalvin Phillips is in contention to start in the Leeds United v Watford game next Saturday (April 9).

The Englishman came off the bench at Elland Road against Southampton in a game that ended 1-1.

He was welcomed to a rapturous ovation before coming off and the fans surely will want him in the starting eleven as soon as possible.

Via his personal Twitter account, Hay said, "Marsch pleased to see Phillips back and pleased with how he played. Says he'll be in contention to start at Watford next weekend."

Great news

The midfield was lacking a bit of bite against Southampton even though the Whites dominated most of the game.

Having Phillips in what would become a midfield three would see Adam Forshaw play closer to the opposition goal than the halfway line.

The England international controls the tempo so well that others in the team thrive just by the fact that he's in the squad.

While Leeds are slowly creeping away from the relegation zone, a loss against Watford will bring them right back in the dog fight.

They cannot afford to treat this game as a gimme and hopefully, Phillip is among the starters for that one.

Also, in the final third, Joe Gelhardt must be starting over Dan James as the Wales international has been extremely frustrating and must be dropped for a few games.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are leading the race to complete a major signing and have already opened talks to seal a £25m deal.