‘I already knew’ – Kalvin Phillips reacts to Jeremy Doku’s ‘important’ message
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips remains absent from Pep Guardiola’s matchday squads.
On Sunday, 14 September, Man City raced to a 3-0 win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, but Phillips was not involved.
Guardiola’s side bounced back from their successive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, thanks to Phil Foden’s goal and Erling Haaland’s brace.
Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Manchester City want to retain Bernardo Silva beyond the current campaign.
Jeremy Doku celebrates after Manchester City defeat Manchester United
Despite Man City’s heavy win over Man United in Sunday’s Manchester Derby, Guardiola’s side are still six points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
But taking to Instagram on Monday, 15 September, Jeremy Doku wrote: “Important win in the derby!”
“I already knew my day would end in victory, yesterday my fiancé and I were baptised. This was such a special moment for us. Jesus saved my life!”
Doku’s message attracted a like from Phillips, who has not featured in the Premier League since his loan spell with Ipswich Town last season.
Pep Guardiola may have to facilitate Kalvin Phillips’ exit in January
By defeating Man United comfortably, Man City proved that they can still produce big results in the Premier League, and will now look to rival Liverpool and Arsenal in the title race.
| Manchester City’s next three games | All competitions 2025/26 |
| 18/09 | Napoli (Champions League) |
| 21/09 | Arsenal (Premier League) |
| 24/09 | Huddersfield (Carabao Cup) |
Meanwhile, despite facing plenty of exit speculation during the summer transfer window, Phillips was named in Manchester City’s official Premier League squad for the remainder of the campaign.
However, thanks to the competition provided by Rodri and Nico Gonzalez, the former West Ham United man appears unlikely to enjoy game time in holding midfield for Guardiola’s men this term.
Therefore, unless Phillips’ game time situation drastically improves, Manchester City must look to move the 29-year-old on, once the transfer window re-opens in January.
The 31-cap England international is currently making no progress at the Etihad Stadium, while unsuccessful loan moves to both West Ham and Ipswich saw his career stall.
Meanwhile, Guardiola’s side face two vital clashes in their next two games, against Napoli and Arsenal in the Champions League and Premier League, respectively.