Broadcaster Richard Keys has accused Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola of exposing ex-Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to unnecessary "ridicule".
The 27-year-old, who departed the Whites in the summer for a move to the Etihad, was left out of City's first competitive post-World Cup game against Liverpool due to returning from the tournament "overweight" according to Guardiola.
Phillips has made just four appearances under the Spaniard so far since his move to City with injuries and the form of Rodri keeping him out of their starting XI.