Erling Haaland makes encouraging Kalvin Phillips admission after Man City return
Erling Haaland was absent from the action as Pep Guardiola rotated his Manchester City squad for their Carabao Cup clash with League One outfit Huddersfield Town.
On Wednesday, 24 September, Man City defeated Huddersfield 2-0, thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Tottenham’s summer transfer target Savinho.
Guardiola’s men are set to face Championship side Swansea City in the next round of the Carabao Cup, after the Swans knocked out Premier League opponents Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Man City could agree a new sponsorship deal worth £60million per season, amid their bid to rival defending champions Liverpool in the top-flight title race.
Kalvin Phillips makes Man City return vs Huddersfield
Guardiola’s midfield options are set to be bolstered, as Mateo Kovacic has returned to training following his injury setback.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Kalvin Phillips made his first appearance of the campaign in the cup victory over Huddersfield.
After watching his teammate return to action, Haaland took to his Snapchat story and wrote: “Yorkshire Pirlo is back.”
Kalvin Phillips faces make or break scenario before January
Despite seldom featuring for the Etihad Stadium outfit since joining from Leeds United back in 2022, Phillips was included in Guardiola’s Premier League squad for the current campaign.
| Kalvin Phillips stats | All competitions 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 1 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
However, following unsuccessful loan spells with Ipswich Town and West Ham United, the 29-year-old seemingly faces an uphill battle to earn regular game time in the North West.
Therefore, if Phillips fails to earn regular opportunities before the January transfer window, Man City may consider cashing in on his services.
Rodri, Nico Gonazalez, and Kovacic will likely remain above the England international in Guardiola’s pecking order despite his recent appearance against Huddersfield.
Meanwhile, Guardiola’s men must continue their positive run of form when they face Burnley in their next Premier League game on Saturday, 27 September, as they already sit eight points behind leaders Liverpool following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
The Etihad Stadium club are also vying to beat Monaco in the first away fixture of their Champions League campaign at the start of next month.