Marsch issues verdict on how Kalvin Phillips has looked in Leeds training

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Jesse Marsch has issued an exciting update on Kalvin Phillips by suggesting that the Leeds United midfielder performed really, really well in training on Wednesday – in comments reported by Leeds Live.

Phillips and Liam Cooper have handed Leeds a massive boost ahead of Friday’s trip to Wolves. The pair have both been sidelined since the draw with Brentford back in December.

Their returns were earmarked as a key moment in Leeds’ season as they look to remain in the Premier League. And it appears that those returns could now come before the international break.

Marsch started his press conference on Thursday with an injury update. And amongst the news he delivered was the confirmation that both Cooper and Phillips are available for Friday.

Obviously, it would be asking a lot for either to play the majority of the game. It is surely more likely that they will be slowly reintroduced as Patrick Bamford has been.

But there is no doubt that it could be massive for Leeds to have Phillips and Cooper back. And ahead of the game, Marsch issued a great update on how the pair have looked in training.

“He had a really, really strong training session yesterday, really strong, as did Liam,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live.

“They played with intensity played with the ideas that we’re trying to implement with them without the ball. So yeah, I mean, I’m excited. I’m really excited to get him on the pitch. And so we’re obviously getting closer and closer with both.”

Could Marsch be tempted to take more of a risk on Phillips in Leeds game with international break ahead?

Marsch is not in an easy position. Leeds finally have some momentum after their dramatic win over Norwich. And a defeat to Wolves would be a disappointment, even if Bruno Lage’s men have been outstanding this term.

So clearly, there will be a temptation to give Phillips as many minutes as possible. However, he will also be wary of losing him again. Another similar injury would rule the England international out of the rest of the campaign.

Having said that, Leeds do have a break after Friday’s game. They have more than a fortnight before their next game due to the international break.

Perhaps that will be a factor when Marsch considers just how long Phillips can play for when Leeds face Wolves.