Leeds United are not in a comfortable position in the Premier League this season, currently 15th in the table following a slow start with just two wins from their first 11 games.
The Whites have been plagued with injuries which have caused inconsistencies in every aspect of their team. From defence to attack, the well-oiled machine of last season has gone rusty, with squad players having to be thrown into the line-up in key positions.
Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Luke Ayling and Raphinha are a few of the key players who have been sidelined so far this season, which has clearly effected the team’s performances of late, but luckily Raphinha and Phillips have returned to action in the last few weeks.
Bielsa could unleash a dynamic £37.8m-rated duo in Phillips and Forshaw, and that could have a positive impact on Leeds’ chances of taking points from Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The England international returned from a minor injury recently and will be raring to go after playing in the 1-1 draw with Leicester before international break.
The 25-year-old spoke out lately about his midfield partnership with Forshaw, who has also recently returned from a horrific injury which has cost him two seasons of his career.
Phillips told BBC Leeds: “It’s very nice to have Adam back. We’re good friends, we get on really well and I think it shows on the football pitch that we understand each other, the way each other plays.”
Forshaw, who nearly gained an England call-up in 2016, has not had an easy ride with the hip injury he picked up after just seven games of the 2019/20 season.
Initially, the injury was thought to be minor, with the protectory of the midfielder being out for only 16 weeks, but Leeds and Forshaw were dealt a devastating blow when he was sent for surgery and ruled out for the rest of the season.
Forshaw struggled to build his fitness moving into the 2020/21 campaign, and in a brief return for the under-23s, he sustained an injury to his hamstring which again saw him sidelined for the entire season.
The 30-year-old made an emotional return to Premier League football against Leicester City a few weeks ago, the midfielder spoke to the Sunday People, saying: “Starting against Leicester was a big moment for me and my family, so I’m pleased.
“I’d just like to say a massive, massive thank you to Rob Price and his team, the strength and conditioning coaches, the manager for the way he’s managed me throughout the summer.”
Bielsa will be thrilled that Phillips and Forshaw have a genuine connection which can hopefully translate on the pitch against Spurs and help Leeds to an important three points as they attempt to escape a potential relegation battle.
In other news: this potential partnership could unlock success for Leeds
