Kalvin Phillips out for two months after surgery
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has undergone surgery on his hamstring injury and he will be out for “at least two months”, according to reports.
Phillips has been relied upon by Leeds over the past couple of years as he has been one of their most important players.
Along with the likes of Raphinha and Stuart Dallas, Phillips was one of Leeds’ standout players last term as they finished ninth in the Premier League.
The midfielder has played 15 times so far this campaign. He was subbed off against Brentford earlier this month.
It was later revealed that he had picked up a hamstring injury and he missed this weekend’s defeat versus Chelsea.
The Athletic are reporting that Phillips has now had surgery to repair his injured hamstring. It is stated that he will be out of action for “at least two months”.
Speaking ahead of the Chelsea game, Marcelo Bielsa optimistically suggested that he hopes Leeds’ “adversity is a stimulant” for them:
“I always think adversity is a stimulant to how to create or resolve situations
“I understand there is a certain pessimism because the upcoming games are difficult, because instead of bringing players back we are creating new absentees.
“But when we play against big teams there is an added strength that comes when the supposed weaker team has the opportunity to win against a team who before playing them is better.
“So my position is one of optimism and fortitude, and it’s not a position that’s just individual, it’s the conclusions I’ve made by evaluating the mood of the team.”
On Luke Ayling Bielsa added: “He is a versatile player, he can defend as a full-back or a centre-back, and he is a player with a lot of personality who takes risks with the management of the ball.
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“He is especially optimistic and he transmits to all of us confidence, faith and energy. In the absence of Cooper, we can say that Ayling is a great captain.”
Leeds travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City on Tuesday night. The Yorkshire side have a tough run of games before the end of the year as they will also come up against Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa.