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.
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Upon his return to the north-west, Phillips was left out of the City squad to face off against Liverpool, with Guardiola stating: "He's not injured - he arrived overweight. He didn't arrive in the condition to do training sessions and to play."
However, the Spaniard's decision to air his reasons for leaving Phillips out has provoked the ire of Keys, who accused Guardiola of double standards.
In October, former City striker Sergio Aguero said he was once fined and dropped by Guardiola for being overweight, a fact which was only revealed when the Argentine spoke on an El Chiringuito live stream.
Taking to Twitter to voice his outrage, Keys tweeted: "I'm wondering why Guardiola has exposed Phillips to ridicule for this 'crime'. Never a word when he used to leave Aguero out for the same offence. Strange.
It's safe to say Phillips move to City has not gone to plan so far. However, despite his poor start to life at the Etihad, Guardiola did confirm the England international would be back in the mix for City once his fitness improved.
"When he will be ready, he will play," Guardiola added. "We need him. We need him a lot."
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