Kevin Phillips believes the return of Ruben Dias from a hamstring injury will be a 'huge boost' for Manchester City as they sit just one point ahead of Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.
League leaders City once held a 14 point lead over Liverpool back in January, but the Reds have strung together nine wins on the bounce in the Premier League and are now just one point adrift of the reigning champions - with a huge encounter at the Etihad on Sunday, April 10.
Former England international Phillips knows the title race is a two-horse race as Chelsea are too far away to become a contender. Phillips thinks Pep Guardiola will be delighted to have his star defender back out on the grass after recovering from injury.
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“When you get to this stage of the season, no matter who you are, it is a huge boost to get one of your best players coming back," said former Sunderland star Phillips to Football Insider. "To have Dias out on the grass gives everyone a lift.
"To see someone like him running next to you and joining in the warm up gives everyone a huge lift. When you watch Man City, you could argue that they haven’t missed him. They have coped but they have dropped points. To have a top player like him come back ahead of the run in is great news.
“It is clearly a two-horse race for the Premier League title to that will be a massive boost. Dias is their best defender. Guardiola will be over the moon to have him back.”