Kalvin Phillips decision made as Leeds United receive double boost for Wolves

Jesse Marsch intends to stick to his plan for Kalvin Phillips and avoid rushing the Leeds United midfielder back for their Friday night clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

England international Phillips hasn’t featured in over three months for Leeds due to a hamstring injury, but he has recently returned to training. Marsch doesn’t plan to risk Phillips before the international break though, which rules the 26-year-old out of the match at Molineux.

Phillips has only played 12 Premier League games this season, with his injury issues a key factor in Leeds’ slump in form. The win over Norwich City last time out saw Leeds cut a run of six straight defeats.

Asked whether he is tempted to play Phillips against Wolves, Marsch said: "(It’s the) same as Patrick (Bamford) - make a plan and stick to the plan. I am very disciplined when it comes to managing the players physically. We need a fully fit and healthy team.”

Leeds captain Liam Cooper is also nearing a return for Leeds after recovering from a hamstring injury of his own, but he is also set to miss out versus Wolves. Marsch will have Patrick Bamford available after he emerged unscathed from his first start since September. Record signing Rodrigo - who was withdrawn against Norwich with a quad problem - could also feature in Marsch’s squad.

“Bamford was sore,” said Marsch. “Physically demanding, his entire body is adjusting to the demands for the upcoming games. Ready for tomorrow. Rodrigo will train today and hopefully everything will be ready to go. Scan is an old injury, we are managing those symptoms. Hopeful.”