Pep Guardiola is confident Kalvin Phillips can still make England’s World Cup squad despite the prospect of needing to undergo surgery on a shoulder injury. Phillips was an integral part of the England team that reached last summer’s European Championship final and was named England’s player of the year in 2021, but his hopes of appearing in a first World Cup are now hanging by a thread, although Guardiola insists he could still return in time, with the Three Lions first game in the tournament not until November 21.
Pep Guardiola said: “I don’t know [how long he will be out for], I am not a doctor but in a good way he can arrive of course the World Cup. I think so but I am not a doctor. The doctor says the only solution right now is to do what we have to do.”
Phillips has had a frustrating start to life at the Etihad and his fitness issues mean Rodri has had to start all 10 of City’s games so far this season, missing just 57 minutes across those fixtures. Guardiola has been disappointed not to have his summer signing available, not only as competition for Rodri but also as an option to start two defensive midfielders in some games.
Pep Guardiola said: “Absolutely [it’s been frustrating] – for us as well. We need him because Rodri cannot play all the games, Kalvin came to fight for that position and sometimes you need two holding midfielders to be more defensive. But I think it will be a bit longer because I think he needs it [surgery]. Every time he’s out because of this and the doctors say if it’s three or four times out then the only solution is to have surgery.”
