Pep Guardiola has claimed England midfielder Kalvin Phillips was left out of the squad to face Liverpool on Thursday because he returned “overweight”.
The 27-year-old was given time off after being part of England’s World Cup squad, but when he returned to the city, he was unable to train, according to the Man City manager.
Phillips’ England team-mates at Qatar, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and John Stones, played against Liverpool, while Kyle Walker was an unused substitute but did not even make the matchday squad.
Guardiola said:
“He’s not hurt.”
“He arrived overweight. I dont know [why]. He did not arrive in condition to practice and play ”. Asked if this came as a surprise, as Phillips had been with England and the national team nutrition department which should have ensured he stayed in top form, the manager said: “Absolutely. [this should be the case]. That’s why you can’t play. When he’s ready, he’ll play, because we need him, we need him a lot.”
The Spanish coach did not comment further on the matter and said that he will have a “private conversation with Kalvin.”
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It is the latest setback for Phillips since he joined City from Leeds United in the summer on a six-year contract with an initial payment of ‘£42m’. After making three substitute appearances in August and September, he returned a shoulder problem he had at Leeds, which required surgery, which sidelined him for two months.
City’s next game is against Leeds on Wednesday, but it is unclear if he will be available for selection against his former club. City then host Everton on New Year’s Eve before facing Chelsea twice in a row, first at Stamford Bridge in the league on January 5 and then at home three days later in the FA Cup.
