Leeds United will be provided with a massive boost in their pursuit of staying in the Premier League when Kalvin Phillips returns from injury this weekend. The 26-year-old has been out since December 5 with a hamstring issue but could be back on the pitch as the Whites host Southampton.
Phillips was named on the bench to face Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month, however, Jesse Marsch opted not to use him as he remained as an unused substitute. Team-mate Liam Cooper was also back in the squad at Molineux, having recovered from an injury he suffered in the same game.
Although he didn't feature, it is understood that the England international may be ready to play some part in Saturday's game and he could be a major factor in whether Leeds stay in the top-flight. So, with that mind, LeedsLive have taken a look at three players that will improve when Phillips returns.
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Mateusz Klich
After impressing since Jesse Marsch was appointed last month, Klich has the opportunity to cement his place in the side following the international break. The 31-year-old has started in every game during Marsch's tenure and played a crucial impact in the recent win over Norwich City.
However, Klich could get better when Phillips comes back into the midfield. This is because the latter will allow Klich to venture further forward without worrying as much about his defensive responsibilities considering the protection Phillips will give on the back-line.
Phillips will likely sit in front of the back-four and be the lynch-pin to hold the Leeds side in place. This would allow the two No.8s in Adam Forshaw, Rodrigo or Klich to support the attacking players more when in possession. However, it would depend on how Marsch sets up and the personnel he decides to use.
Raphinha
Having missed the game at Wolves through Covid-19, Raphinha will be as keen as anyone to impress in the Southampton game this weekend. The 25-year-old was due to travel with the Brazil squad for three World Cup qualifiers, however, the illness prevented him from joining up with his national squad.
Instead, Raphinha has been training with the Whites and he will no doubt be pleased to see Phillips back. The duo proved to be two of Leeds' most important players last season and Leeds are much better when they both play together.
Like with Klich, Phillips allows Raphinha to focus more on attacking and getting into the final third as he can cover his position and back-up Luke Ayling at right-back. Also, Phillips' distribution is much more advanced than any of his team-mates and the ball will be able to get to Raphinha quicker which gives him a better chance of beating his marker.
Having scored just one Premier League goal in 2022, it be argued that Raphinha has been affected by Phillips' absence and he hasn't been as influential. However, Raphinha may be set to re-find his form if Phillips is able to help him to be a better player.
Luke Ayling
Ayling is another player who has missed a considerable amount of time through injury. The 31-year-old was ruled out for eight games with a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in September, however, he has returned quicker than others but hasn't quite been the same in the past few months.
He has had to play at centre-back and right-back this season, meaning there has little consistency in his position and the defensive line in general. One of the main reasons behind this was Phillips' injury, as Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk have both had to play in midfield, leaving Ayling to fill in, in the centre.
However, Leeds will be better set in midfield and at centre-back when Phillips returns, which means that Ayling is set to stay at right-back, which is his preferred position. Plus, Phillips did an excellent job at covering Ayling when the latter goes forward and joins in with attacks.
