Leeds United pair Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford could be back to face Aston Villa next month, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Phillips and Bamford missing for months

The Whites have experienced an unfortunate season in the injury department, having to make do without a number of key players for large periods throughout the campaign.

Phillips and Bamford are undoubtedly two of Leeds' most important players but they have made just 17 Premier League starts between them this season, with neither featuring so far in 2022.

The Englishmen may still be sidelined, but it does appear as though both are edging closer to a return.

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The Latest: Hay gives encouraging update on Leeds duo

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic on Saturday, Hay claimed that Phillips and Bamford could both be available for the visit of Villa on March 10.

Addressing the fitness status of the Leeds duo, the journalist replied: "I don’t think they’ll be far off that date - they’re both doing well (as is Bamford I’m told). But it’ll come down to whenever Bielsa thinks they’re ready. It’s his call."

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The Verdict: Massive boost for Leeds

With Leeds slipping further into a relegation battle, having Phillips and Bamford available could genuinely make the difference in the destiny of their Premier League future come the end of the season.

Hay's update duly comes as a massive boost for Marcelo Bielsa, with those two players arguably among the first names on the team sheet whenever they are fit.

Phillips' quality and dominance in midfield, coupled with Bamford's end product, could take Leeds up a significant level in the final few weeks of the season, helping them look more like the team which finished ninth in the table last term.

In other news, one Leeds player has hinted at a return to his former club. Find out who it is here.