Manchester City returned to the competition after the World Cup break last Thursday in the Carabao Cup. Three English footballers who were in Qatar, where their team reached the quarterfinals, participated in the victory over Liverpool; the three as substitutes (Jack Grealish, John Stones and Phil Foden) as they have had fewer days of training compared to the bulk of the squad.
Not in the tie against the reds was another Three Lions international: Kalvin Phillips. The cityzen midfielder missed the game and will surely not be available in the next games due to the fact that he returned from the World Cup with a few extra kilos. Pep Guardiola revealed it after that game, assuring that he is not fit to play.
“He is not injured. He arrived overweight. I don’t know why, but he did not arrive in the necessary condition to train and play. When he is ready, he will play because we need him, we need them all,” said the Catalan coach.
So far very little of Kalvin Phillips has been seen at the Etihad. Coming from Leeds United last summer in exchange for 49 million euros, a shoulder injury has left him out of action for a good part of the start of the season. He was out for almost two months, which jeopardized his presence in the World Cup.
When the English midfielder has been available, Guardiola has given him very little prominence. Rodri’s theoretical replacement as midfielder has spent less than an hour on the pitch with City (53′), much less than with England. Between the Nations League in September and the recent World Cup he accumulated 180 minutes, although it is true that in Qatar his role has also been testimonial (40 ‘).
Asked if he was disappointed to see the 27-year-old footballer in such poor physical condition, Guardiola preferred not to make his opinion public. “It’s a private conversation with Kalvin.” The English federation (FA) and the agency representing Phillips, IC Stellar Sports, have not wanted to comment.
Kalvin Phillips, who had ten days off before returning to the City routine, is not expected to be available for next Wednesday’s Premier League match against Leeds, precisely his former team. Guardiola’s men will rest on Boxing Day, which concentrates practically the entire day. The other game that will be played on another date (Tuesday 27) will be Manchester United – Nottingham Forest, the first game without Cristiano Ronaldo as a red devil.
