Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kalvin Phillips will be back on the bench for Manchester City’s EFL Cup clash with Chelsea on Wednesday.
Phillips has been out for weeks after undergoing surgery on a troublesome shoulder injury and has been racing to get fit to put himself in a position to be available for England’s World Cup squad.
He has been easing himself back into training, and Guardiola says he has successfully completed two full-contact training sessions this week. As a result, he will be included in the City squad to face Chelsea on Wednesday with a view to coming off the bench.
Guardiola confirmed that he met with England boss Gareth Southgate recently, with Kyle Walker’s fitness also a topic of conversation with the right-back behind Phillips in terms of recovery.
“I spoke with [Southgate], 10 days ago, 12 days ago. We had a chat, a coffee with his assistant,” Guardiola said.
“We talk about them. He spoke with them and the doctors, asks about the evolution of injuries but I don’t know, I’m not a doctor. They feel much, much better. Yesterday Kalvin trained second day, full training session, full contact. He feels good. Next game against Chelsea he will be on the bench, but if he’s going to play or not I don’t know, he’ll be on the bench.
“Kalvin is really better. I spoke with Kyle and he feels really good too. But the surgery was later than Kalvin so I don’t know.”
City host Chelsea in the third round of the EFL Cup this week, a match that could afford Phillips some vital minutes in the final few hours before Southgate’s announcement
Even though Phillips has not had too many opportunities to impress at his new club this season, having him in the squad will be a big boost for Guardiola, especially if he’s able to get on the pitch and then be available for the weekend’s Premier League game against Brentford.
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