Manchester City thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, winning 3-0 at Molineux, but Kalvin Phillips wasn’t in the matchday squad due to injury.
Pep Guardiola revealed ahead of the Premier League clash that the 26-year-old wasn’t 100% fit and its since been reported that he was suffering a shoulder injury from August’s friendly with Barcelona.
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Phillips played for 57 minutes as City drew 3-3 with Barca on August 24, but he picked up a knock that he’s been unable to shake off. The England international will now have to undergo surgery, but Guardiola isn’t sure when to expect him back.
He said: “I don’t know (how long he will be out) – I’m not a doctor. The doctor said the only solution right now is to have surgery. It will be a little bit longer.” Phillips has made three appearances in all competitions, amassing only 13 minutes of football.
He’s played second fiddle to Rodri and has struggled for fitness ever since he joined from Leeds United, so Phillips is having the worst debut season in Manchester.
It’s unlikely the defensive-midfielder will start games upon his return too, so his World Cup hopes could be at risk.
In other news, Jules Kounde says Man City tried to sign him this summer
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If he’s torn a rotator cuff, after the surgery he will be out for about 10 weeks. I’ve torn both might right and left and I could not try a full golf swing until after 10 weeks. Can you imagine going back to soccer where you are knocked around all the time ? He will definitely need the full recovery before playing again.