Jesse Marsch has told Thursday’s press conference – as per Leeds Live – that both Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips could start against Southampton on Saturday. Both men have been sidelined since the beginning of December.
Cooper and Phillips picked up long-term hamstring injuries during the 2-2 draw with Brentford back in early December. Patrick Bamford also picked up an injury, returning earlier this month. He got injured against Wolves.
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Both Cooper and Phillips were on the bench against Wolves and Marsch confirmed that both played in a training game this week, getting 45 minutes in a match between the first team and the Under-23 players.
Now, Marsch has confirmed that both are in with a chance of starting against Southampton on Saturday at Elland Road – but that it is unlikely he will start both players, as it means two substitutes are likely.
“Both are in contention to start. Both not fully 90 minutes fit, but really close. Don’t think we can start both of them because it becomes two subs. Spoken to both and they are both feeling good. Looking even better.”
Marsch on Cooper, Phillips: Which Leeds star should start?
Marsch has plenty of options at centre-back. Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk are all fit and arguably, have overtaken Cooper somewhat. But Cooper’s influence is not just on the pitch, but off it too.
The Leeds skipper’s communication, his sense as a leader, is crucial to Leeds. He might not be the best option at centre-back, but it is important he plays. However, right now, Phillips has got to start against Southampton.
The England midfielder is the best player at Leeds and he has been sorely missed. He needs to play with a Mateusz Klich alongside him, as Stuart Dallas continues to deputise on the left side of the defence.
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