Kalvin Phillips injury deals England major blow as Man City star doubt for World Cup

KALVIN PHILLIPS is a doubt for the World Cup after the England midfielder picked up an injury.

Posted Sunday, September 18, 2022 by Express.co.uk

Kalvin Phillips injury England Man City news World Cup

Manchester City and England star Kalvin Phillips is a doubt for the World Cup in Qatar due to injury. Phillips has picked up a shoulder problem which could require surgery and leaves him in a race against time to be fit for the tournament which starts in November.

The former Leeds star was a regular at Euro 2020 for Gareth Southgate. But the Three Lions boss may have to look at alternative options in midfield.

Phillips has pulled out of the England squad for the Nations League matches against Italy and Germany next week. Southgate is already without Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson due to a hamstring injury.

Phillips has had an injury-hit start to his City career since joining from Leeds for an initial £42million in the summer transfer window. He is yet to make his full debut for the reigning Premier League champions and was left out of the squad for the 3-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.

He did come off the bench late on in the 2-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. The 26-year-old has played just 14 minutes in his three substitute appearances for City to date.

Phillips missed a large part of last season at Leeds due to injury. He made just 23 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking in August, Pep Guardiola insisted Phillips would play a big role for City despite his lack of action at the time. Guardiola said: "We don't have doubts. He is a player for the England national team and has improved incredibly as a player,” Guardiola asserted.

“He was working under Marcelo Bielsa and he is British, which helps the Premier League. The last season he had injuries, so we have to be careful right now (with) the little disturbance he had last week and try to avoid it in the future.

“But I am pretty sure he is going to adapt. Of course, he has to know some of the things we are doing and, of course, Rodri right now is a step forward in front of him in terms of that position.

“But in September we start playing every three days. We will need him, and he will prove how valuable he is. Of that we have no doubts."

However, both City and England are set to be without Phillips for the next few weeks at least. City are next in action on October 2 against rivals Manchester United.