Kalvin Phillips has been out of action since September with a shoulder injury that he was forced to undergo underwent on, but it doesn’t look like he’ll feature for Manchester City before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar begins.
Pep Guardiola revealed ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sevilla that the 26-year-old would not only miss the game, he would likely be absent for another few weeks.
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Pep said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference: “I don’t think (he will play) against Fulham and even Brentford.”
Phillips has been training back on grass, but he’s not done any contact yet, so he’s some distance away from being able to play. City’s last game before the World Cup is on November 12, so it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be ready.
City travel to face Leeds United at Elland Road on December 28, so that might be his next available fixture depending on his fitness levels after the World Cup. Phillips may not make England’s final squad due to how little he’s played in 2022/23, so he might be afforded a long rest to fully recoup.
The 26-year-old must be frustrated with how his debut season is going. He joined from Leeds United with ambitions of winning trophies and developing as a player but has gone backwards due to his fitness woes.
Rodri was likely to keep him out of the starting lineup, but Phillips may spend the entire campaign on the periphery as he won’t be 100% for some time.
In other news, Pep Guardiola reveals selection policy ahead of Man City’s clash with Sevilla
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