Getting Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips back on the pitch as quickly as possible will significantly boost Leeds' chances of staying in the Premier League, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The duo have missed a high number of games this season due to injuries, but could be set to return to action in the near future.

What's the latest news involving Bamford and Phillips?

After scoring 17 top-flight goals last term, Bamford has only been able to feature in six league games in 2021/22 as his fitness has consistently let him down.

However, he was back on the bench for Leeds' trip to Leicester on Saturday, and he could be in line for some minutes when Jesse Marsch's team play against Aston Villa on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Phillips has not played since injuring his hamstring in early December, but it has been reported that he could be pushing for a place in the squad when Leeds entertain the Villans at Elland Road.

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What has Jones said about Bamford and Phillips?

Jones is fully aware that Leeds have missed Bamford and Phillips this season. The England pair have a combined value of £54m, according to Transfermarkt, and were standout performers for the Premier League outfit under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020/21.

Jones has claimed that getting these two key players back in the team would be a huge boost for Leeds.

When asked about the prospect of Bamford and Phillips returning this week, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “It would be unbelievable if they get both those two back on the pitch. Then their chances of survival are increased massively.”

Can the return of Bamford and Phillips keep Leeds up?

As Jones alluded to, it is almost certain to improve their chances.

In Marsch's first game in charge against Leicester, there were plenty of positive signs as Leeds fashioned a number of opportunities but they failed to take their chances. Harvey Barnes punished Leeds for their wastefulness by scoring the only goal of the game for the Foxes.

If Bamford had been available, he may well have tucked away at least one of Leeds' chances, and the scoreline could have been very different.

The Yorkshire-based club have also struggled to gain control in midfield in recent weeks, and this led to them conceding six goals against Liverpool, while also shipping four in each of their home fixtures against Manchester United and Tottenham.

Phillips has proven himself at club and international level, so having him back should bolster Leeds in the middle of the park, and ensure that the opposition find it far more difficult to get at the side's defence.