Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips are optimistic they can regain their fitness ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which starts in November this year. Both Walker and Phillips are out of action now, with the pair recovering from injuries sustained earlier this season.
Phillips suffered a shoulder injury during Man City’s mid-season friendly against Spanish giants FC Barcelona. The England international has since undergone surgery and is recovering.
Meanwhile, Walker suffered an injury during Man City’s 6–3 victory over cross-town rivals Manchester City in the Premier League. Walker has since undergone groin surgery, which has left him in doubt about the World Cup.
Pep Guardiola provides fitness update on Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker
At the press conference ahead of Man City’s Premier League match against Leicester City, Guardiola provided an update on the fitness of Walker and Phillips.
Guardiola revealed that both Walker and Phillips are optimistic about their chances of playing in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The Man City manager revealed that the duo are in contact with England manager Gareth Southgate.
“They [Walker and Phillips] they are optimistic. They’re in contact with Gareth. [Southgate]. Hopefully they can be ready and selected,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also ruled out both players for his next game against Leicester City. The Spaniard also revealed that Phillips has started training with contact with the ball. However, the England midfielder has yet to start training with his Man City teammates.
Meanwhile, Man City arrive at the game against Leicester City after their 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Erling Haaland had suffered a blow in that match and Guardiola took him out at half-time.
Guardiola could not confirm whether Haaland would make the team against Leicester. But he revealed that they will decide after assessing how the Norwegian feels.
Meanwhile, Man City sit second in the Premier League points table with 26 points from 11 games. The defending Premier League champions have eight wins, two draws and one loss in the English top flight so far this season.
Man City are two points behind Arsenal, who have won 28 league points so far in the 22/23 campaign.
Meanwhile, Leicester City languishes in 17th place in the Premier League points table. But the Foxes come into the game on the back of two consecutive Premier League wins.
