Marcelo Bielsa hit by Kalvin Phillips injury blow ahead of Leeds United's clash with Barnsley

Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Kalvin Phillips looks set to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The defensive midfielder, a vital cog in Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship leading machine, picked up the issue in Sunday’s dramatic 1-0 win at Swansea City.

Phillips emerged for the second half with his left leg heavily strapped and appeared to be in some discomfort, but did finish the game in Wales.

Bielsa revealed today that his midfielder has definitely been ruled out of the game with the Tykes on Thursday evening and will most likely miss the rest of the campaign.

"Kalvin is not going to play in Thursday’s match," Bielsa told his pre-match press conference.

"We don’t know if he’s going to play the next two matches as well.

"It is a problem in the knee and probably is not going to be involved in the next three matches.

"In the worst case scenario it is an injury that will be resolved in four or five weeks."

Phillips’ absence means a likely return to the defensive midfield role for centre-half Ben White, with Gaetano Berardi expected to partner Liam Cooper in the heart of the defence.

The Whites are just four points away from promotion to the Premier League but could seal it on Thursday night when Barnsley visit Elland Road, if Brentford drop points tomorrow against Preston North End.