England's Kalvin Phillips plays in the World Cup match against Senegal December 4 in Al Khor, Qatar.
(James Williamson/AMA/Getty Images)
(Reuters) --
England midfielder Kalvin Phillips returned from the World Cup overweight and unfit to play, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said.
Phillips was used for only 40 minutes as a substitute in the final, having not started for City since transferring from Leeds United at the end of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Second-placed City, who return to Premier League action at Leeds this Wednesday, will once again be without the 27-year-old Phillips, much to the frustration of their manager.
"He is not injured, he arrived (back) overweight," Guardiola said.
"I do not know why).
He didn't arrive in condition to practice and play.
Pep Guardiola next to Phil Foden of Manchester City after the defeat in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 4, 2022 in Madrid Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
"That's why he can't play.
When he's ready, he'll play because we need him, we need him badly."
advertising
Asked if he was disappointed to see Phillips return in such a condition, Guardiola added: "It's a private conversation with Kalvin."
Representatives for the FA and Phillips, ICM Stellar Sports, declined to comment on Guardiola's remarks.
Looking to win a fifth league title in the last six seasons, City resume the campaign behind Arsenal by four points.
The team returned to winning ways after the World Cup break with a thrilling 3-2 League Cup win over Liverpool on Thursday.
Manchester City Pep Guardiola