Manchester City enjoyed a 1-0 win over Chelsea on Thursday evening and Kalvin Phillips finally made an appearance. He hadn’t featured in the Premier League since August and hadn’t played in any competition since September due to a shoulder injury.
The 27-year-old was an unused substitute since returning from the World Cup and was criticised by Pep Guardiola for being overweight, but he’s got himself back in shape and was rewarded with a cameo appearance in the dying minutes of normal time.
Phillips has now made five appearances in all competitions this season, amassing 57 minutes of playing time. He’s still likely to remain second fiddle in midfield to Rodri but will be delighted to be back out on the pitch after months out.
The England international will be an important player to Guardiola if Rodri picks up a knock, let alone for seeing out games City are narrowly winning. But Phillips’ lack of match fitness begs the question whether he should have gone to the World Cup.
His recovery may have been fast-tracked if in Manchester for a month without needing to play games, but Phillips is now in a position to get more minutes and make up for lost time.
In other news, Pep Guardiola makes surprise Arsenal admission
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