Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola issued a brutally honest apology to out-of-favour midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The England international has started just once this season and rumours have began to circulate about a possible January exit from the Etihad.
Since arriving from Leeds United, the 28-year-old has started just two Premier League games, both of which came last season after City had been crowned champions.
Speaking on Friday, ahead of this weekend’s trip to Luton Town, Pep Guardiola was asked whether Phillips could leave in January.
“I don’t know what will happen. I feel so sorry for my decisions for him, I said many times. He doesn’t deserve not to give him minutes.
“I’m so sorry. It’s him I am asking for good personality, good character, thinking about the end. This is a perfect example.
“After that I have to give him something, I didn’t do that. It’s just because I visualise something, I visualise the team and things, I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola confirmed Kevin De Bruyne has returned to running on the grass again following his long-term hamstring injury.
The Belgian hasn’t played since the opening weekend of the Premier League season but was named in the Club World Cup squad for later this month.
De Bruyne isn’t expected to play any part on the pitch though. “I think it is a little bit early but I don’t know,” said Guardiola.
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