Phil Hay says Kalvin Phillips is likely to start for Leeds against West Ham

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Phil Hay has claimed during a Q&A session with The Athletic that Kalvin Phillips is in line to start for Leeds United on Monday evening as the Whites take on West Ham United at the London Stadium – and Rodrigo should be fit, too.

The Whites have been without 24-year-old Phillips, who has proven he has been crucial to the side despite the step up to Premier League football, for four matches with a calf injury. They have suffered in his absence, losing three of those four games.

Rodrigo, meanwhile, has been sidelined for six outings with a groin problem – of which he picked up against Leicester City. However, Rodrigo featured for the Under-23’s last Friday, scoring a brace in a 2-0 win over Wolves.

Images of Phillips, Rodrigo and others have been spotted on line, with the Leeds squad travelling to London on the train. Hay claims that Phillips is in line to start despite missing last Friday’s Under-23 game – while Rodrigo will also be available.

“Phillips did travel and there’s a strong possibility of hin starting this evening, even though he wasn’t used in the U23s on Friday,” Hay said. “He’s such a critical player. Rodrigo should be available, yes.”

TBR’s view – Phillips start will give Leeds confidence

In the £30,000-a-week (Mirror) midfielder’s absence, Leeds struggle. The England ace has now missed eight of the club’s 26 Premier League matches this season, and Leeds have picked just two wins from those eight games – that is, just six points from a possible 24.

That is 25% of possible points. With him, they have won 10 of the 18 played – drawing two and losing six. That is 32 points from a possible 54, around 60% of available points on offer. Phillips starting will give Leeds and the rest of the players, confidence.