ᑕ❶ᑐ Kalvin Phillips: Pep Guardiola says Man City midfielder was ‘overweight’ after World Cup

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained that England midfielder Kalvin Phillips was « overweight » when he returned to training after the World Cup.

Guardiola’s initial explanation was that Phillips, who joined City from Leeds in July, was out of form.

However, the City boss later said: « He’s not injured. He arrived overweight. »

When asked why, Guardiola replied: “I don’t know.

“He did not arrive in condition for training and to play. »

Phillips played twice for England in Qatar after drawing himself out of shoulder surgery, replacing Wales and Senegal.

He joined City in a €45million deal last summer but has only made one Premier League appearance this season, coming on as a last-minute substitute at West Ham in August.

When it was pointed out that Phillips would have had the best training and nutritional advice while on international duty, Guardiola said: « Absolutely. »

Guardiola refused to explain what he told Phillips about the situation, saying it was a private conversation.

In total, Phillips has made four appearances for City, all from the substitutes’ bench.

Special was against Chelsea in the EFL Cup on November 9.

It’s unclear whether Phillips is in contention to face former club Leeds on December 28 but, despite his disappointing time at City so far, Guardiola says the 27-year-old will be welcomed back into his squad.

« When he’s ready, he’ll play, » he said. “We need him. We need him very much. »

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