Man City given encouragement over Kalvin Phillips after injury blow during Barcelona friendly ahead of Crystal Palace game

Manchester City are hopeful that further medical assessments will confirm that the injury picked up by Kalvin Phillips was less serious than it looked.

Kalvin Phillips appeared to pick up an injury in Manchester City’s charity game with Barcelona on Wednesday night.

The England international has not started in any of the club’s four competitive matches this season and has played just one minute across those games.

The ex-Leeds United midfielder started the game at the Nou Camp but had to be replaced on 57 minutes after seeming to hurt his upper body.

It was unclear whether the injury was sustained to the arm or shoulder, but after attempting to play on, Phillips ultimately signalled to the City bench to indicate he had to be replaced.

The England international did laugh with Pep Guardiola after he came off and was seen back on the pitch following the full-time whistle, which could ease concerns it’s a serious problem.

Phillips has suffered two shoulder injuries in the last two years, and there will be hope at the Etihad that this is not a recurrence of the same issues for the summer signing.

According to Manchester Evening News, the former Leeds midfielder could be back sooner than initially feared.

As per the report, Phillips will have further assessments over the next few days before a decision is made over his availability for Crystal Palace at home this weekend.

Losing Phillips for any length of time would be a considerable blow for a squad that is incredibly small to be competing in four competitions.