MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 20:50:57| >> :60:144:144:
[monks data]
Leeds logo
Premier League | Gameweek 9
Nov 22, 2020 at 4.30pm UK
Elland Road
Arsenal logo

Leeds
0 - 0
Arsenal


Dallas (15'), Cooper (86'), Phillips (90+3')
FT

Pepe (52')

Kalvin Phillips in contention to start for Leeds against Arsenal

The England international is likely to start against Arsenal on Sunday.

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is back in contention and expected to start Sunday's home Premier League game against Arsenal.

Phillips tore shoulder ligaments in last month's home defeat to Wolves and has missed Leeds' last three Premier League matches, including successive 4-1 defeats to Leicester and Crystal Palace.

When asked if the England international was fit enough to start at Elland Road, boss Marcelo Bielsa said: "It's probable. I can't guarantee it, but it's probable."

Leeds will also be boosted by the return of club record signing Rodrigo, who has also missed the last two games after a period of isolation having recently tested positive for Covid-19.

"It's less likely he (Rodrigo) will start," Bielsa added. "But he will be there (in the squad)."

Phillips' presence in front of Bielsa's defence has been sorely missed as Leeds have slipped to 15th place following back-to-back defeats.

The 24-year-old's latest setback – he missed the final three games of last season due to a knee injury – also cost him his place in the England squad.

He missed the friendly win against the Republic of Ireland and last week's Nations League games against Belgium and Iceland.

"Phillips is a player who usually plays," Bielsa added. "The players who play regularly, it's always important to count on them.

"The evolution of Phillips is a constant one. He has a capacity to analyse and criticise himself and he finds what he needs to improve and correct his game – and he does this by himself."

Phillips' return is offset by news Pablo Hernandez will miss out due to a minor muscle strain, while fellow midfielder Jamie Shackleton (thigh) and defender Diego Llorente (groin) remain sidelined.

Skipper Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich, Tyler Roberts, Robin Koch and Ezgjan Alioski are all available following international duty.

Leeds confirmed earlier on Friday that defender Pascal Struijk had signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract.

The versatile 21-year-old has made five appearances for Leeds in all competitions this season, including four in the top flight.

Struijk, who arrived at Elland Road from Ajax in January 2018, made his first-team debut in the Sky Bet Championship last season in a 2-0 home win against Hull.

He made five league appearances in total as Leeds won the Championship title and started in their first Premier League game in 16 years against Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the current campaign.

ID:423040: cacheID:423040:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4849:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho shouts during his side's Premier League clash with West Ham United on October 18, 2020
Read Next:
Premier League predictions for gameweek 9 including Tottenham vs. Man City
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Bournemouth157352320324
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!