Manchester City welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon but Pep Guardiola has an injury doubt ahead of the weekend clash. Kalvin Phillips could miss the Eagles meeting after picking up a knock in City’s friendly with Barcelona.
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The 26-year-old has endured a difficult start to life at City, spending most of his time on the sidelines, out of the matchday squad or on the bench, so he’ll be desperate to face Palace. Sadly, he wouldn’t be starting ahead of Rodri as he’ll be short of fitness even if he made the team.
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Phillips has made one appearance in all competitions this season, amassing just one minute of football. He played in City’s 3-3 draw with Barcelona but came off midway through the exhibition game. City paid £42m for the England international, but he can’t stay fit for long enough and is only cover for Rodri.
Phillips is deemed only 50% likely to return in time to face Palace by Premier Injuries, so Guardiola may not take any precautions. The 26-year-old clearly could do with having his minutes managed as he’s suffering setbacks when he does play.
Injuries were an issue for Phillips in his final two seasons at Leeds and he’s still suffering the same bad luck at City.
In other news, Pep Guardiola should break rule for one Man City player despite recent comments