Kevin Phillips has expressed his concern that Jean-Kevin Augustin may have been pushed too hard during his first weeks at Leeds United with the striker having been ruled out of the last two matches.

Augustin was signed on a loan deal from RB Leipzig on a loan deal until the end of the season in the January window, but the 22-year-old has only made three substitute appearances for the Whites which all came prior to his recent hamstring injury.

Leeds have continued to develop an impressive winning run during Augustin's absence from the side, with Marcelo Bielsa's men sealing an emphatic 4-0 victory over Hull on Saturday afternoon to move within one point of league leaders West Brom.

Speaking to Football Insider, former England striker Phillips has suggested Leeds may have pushed Augustin too hard when he first arrived at Elland Road, with the forward now short of time to impress the Whites before the end of the campaign.

When asked whether Augustin is running out of time at Elland Road, Phillips said: "It is looking that way.

“When he has come in he has looked lively and I thought he would get a start but he has picked up an injury. There was reports he came to the club unfit so maybe they have pushed him a bit and it has backfired."

Augustin was initially recruited to provide competition for Patrick Bamford in the attacking department for Bielsa's side, but Bamford has kept his place in the starting line-up despite having not found the net for the last seven Championship matches.

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The Verdict

There was understandably plenty of excitement when Leeds completed the signing of Augustin towards the end of January, but it must be said that the forward has not really been given the chance to impress during his first month at Elland Road.

The 22-year-old has shown some bright touches during his three substitute appearances for the Whites, but his hamstring setback could now rule him out for Leeds' next few matches as they aim to build the momentum in their automatic-promotion bid.

It would have certainly been tricky for Augustin to find his feet at the club given Bielsa's intense coaching methods, but the forward will certainly be making every effort to ensure he can still play a considerable role for the Whites this campaign.