Kalvin Phillips' reunion with Leeds United at Elland Road appears to be off the table after Pep Guardiola claimed he returned from the World Cup 'not fit'. Phillips was the only member of the England squad not included in Manchester City's 3-2 win over Liverpool on Thursday.
The 27-year-old has struggled massively with injuries since his move to City and underwent shoulder surgery in September which threw his World Cup involvement into doubt. He did, however, recover quickly to make Gareth Southgate's squad and featured twice for the Three Lions in Qatar, including in the 3-0 win over Wales where he registered an assist.
There were no indications from the England camp that Phillips picked up an injury ahead of their quarter-final exit against France, with the former Leeds midfielder actually doing press in the build-up to the match. But Phillips has managed just 53 minutes of action for City this season, with only one of those coming in the league, and it looks as though he will now miss the trip to Elland Road on Wednesday after Guardiola's latest update.
READ MORE: Evidence Leeds United have been handed toughest festive fixtures as every Premier League side rated
The Spanish manager said frustratedly: “Kalvin Phillips is not fit. He did not arrive in the best condition to train and play. He is not ready."
Another player who City look set to be without the services of against Leeds is defender Ruben Dias. Dias reached the quarter finals of the World Cup but picked up an injury in their 1-0 defeat to Morocco, with no timescale placed on his return.
He said: “Ruben Dias is injured. Ruben has a hamstring from the last game in the World Cup and he is out.”
READ NEXT:
- Brenden Aaronson's seamless Leeds United return hailed as coach points to progress made
- Erling Haaland on song for Man City as Leeds United supporters fear meeting
- Mark Jackson leaves Leeds United with unseen and priceless legacy if MK Dons close their deal
- Jesse Marsch makes 'important' Mateusz Klich Leeds United statement as Wayne Rooney waits
- Every word Jesse Marsch said on Leeds United injuries, Mark Jackson and January transfer window
