‎“We Are Not Paying…” – Chris Wilder makes eyebrow-raising statement on Ex-Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips arrived at Sheffield United on loan from Manchester City with the aim of reviving his career. However, what was meant to be a fresh start quickly took a difficult turn during last month’s Steel City derby.

The former Leeds United midfielder had only recently begun settling in after completing his deadline-day switch, with City reportedly agreeing to cover a significant portion of his wages to help facilitate the move. Blades manager Chris Wilder was understandably pleased to secure Phillips’ arrival.

The midfielder brought valuable promotion experience and the profile of an England national football team international who had featured in a major tournament final — exactly the type of influence the club hoped would strengthen their push this season. But that early optimism quickly faded in the heated derby against Sheffield Wednesday.  

Shortly after the break, Phillips lunged into a rash challenge and was shown a straight red card. He has not featured since, and Wilder has now offered further insight into when the midfielder could return.

Wilder makes surprising Phillips admission

Wilder has revealed that Phillips recently underwent a minor knee procedure to address a small issue, ruling him out until after the upcoming international break.

The Sheffield United boss also noted that the club are not covering the midfielder’s full salary during his recovery, stressing that Phillips had successfully passed a medical when he joined the club in January.

Despite the setback, Wilder remains hopeful the midfielder will still feature again for the Blades before the campaign concludes.

Speaking on SUTV, Wilder said:

“Kalvin’s had a really minor knee clean-up operation, so we’re expecting him back after the international break. The challenge in the game was actually quite innocuous. “Just to make people aware, we’re not paying the full wage during his recovery.

It was a deal that Steven Bettis arranged, which is fantastic for the football club and protects us in many areas. “He also passed a medical when he arrived, so we weren’t bringing in an injured player before anything like that comes out.

“He’s a top character and a quality player. Unfortunately he won’t be ready until after the international break, but hopefully we’ll still see him in a Sheffield United shirt before the end of the season.”

Time running out to rebuild momentum

Phillips previously explained that he chose Sheffield United over interest from other clubs because he wanted consistent playing time and the chance to rebuild his form during the second half of the season.

That plan has now been disrupted. His red card in the derby combined with the knee problem means he will not play again until after the international break at the earliest.

Kalvin Phillips – Injury History by Season

Phillips had only just started to regain some rhythm before the suspension and injury halted his progress once again. The stop-start nature of his recent seasons could make it even more difficult for him to rediscover full sharpness when he returns. Wilder may also have some lingering concerns.

After several years with limited game time, Phillips has occasionally appeared short of pace, and this latest setback will do little to strengthen his case for a guaranteed place in the starting lineup.

Whether the former Leeds midfielder — once famously nicknamed the “Yorkshire Pirlo” — can overcome yet another hurdle and rediscover his best form is now the key question.