Kalvin Phillips wasn’t named by in Manchester City’s 21-man squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, but BBC Sport say he’s nearing a recovery after ‘returning to light training’.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined for weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery but is finally coming to the end of his rehabilitation. Phillips is not deemed fit enough by Pep Guardiola to make the matchday squad but could be on the bench in November based on his recovery.
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The England international has made three appearances across the board this season, amassing just 13 minutes of football. Phillips was playing second fiddle immediately after joining from Leeds United and hasn’t stayed fit long enough to prove his worth to Guardiola, so he’ll be desperate to play.
Rodri has missed just one league game and one Champions League outing this season, so Phillips has a tough task to dethrone him when fit. The 26-year-old hopes to be fit in time to make the England squad for this winter’s World Cup, but Gareth Southgate won’t be happy at his poor fitness and with the lack of football.
Phillips hasn’t played anywhere near enough games to warrant selection and won’t be 100% fit when the World Cup squad is announced, so he’s been unfortunate with the timing. Guardiola will be happy, however, as his player will soon be available for selection.
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