Pep Guardiola says Kalvin Phillips is over his weight issues after returning to the Man City bench to face his former club. The Spanish head coach says the England international is being held back while he comes to terms with Manchester City's style of play.
The City boss had previously said the ex-Leeds United man had returned from the World Cup "overweight" and was initially unable to train with his teammates. The 27-year-old was on the receiving end of some friendly banter from Leeds fans, and Guardiola joked: "Yeah, he has a perfect body already. So sexy."
Phillips impressed the Man City boss in training this week, but has only played 57 minutes for Citizens since moving from Leeds in the summer. The midfielder has made just two Premier League appearances after a shoulder problem disrupted the first half of the season.
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When asked if Phillips would be ready for weekend clash with Everton, Guardiola added: "We'll see. So Kalvin had been, in the first part of the season, out with surgery to do everything to get to the World Cup. He did everything to get to the World Cup.
"It’s not just about being fit. He has to understand what we want to do; the movements and many things, as quick as possible. Rodri cannot play all the games.
"But I'm happy, yesterday for example, he trained really, really well and we're so happy for that. I'm pretty sure sooner or later he'll come in."
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