Kalvin Phillips will be ‘gutted’ after new Man City injury development – pundit
Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips “will be gutted” to have missed the Manchester derby on Sunday, according to Paul Robinson.
The former Spurs and Leeds United goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old would have replaced the injured Rodri in the starting lineup had he been fit.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News (2 October), Rodri missed the 6-3 win over Man United on Sunday because of a niggle in his leg.
Ilkay Gundogan anchored the midfield in the Spain international’s absence.
Phillips was absent from the matchday squad as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery.
The England international is in a race to be fit for the World Cup next month.
When asked by Football Insider if Phillips would have likely started at the Etihad had he been fit and available, Robinson said: “He will be gutted.
“It has not been a good start for him at City. He has been unfortunate.
“It is always going to be difficult to break into that team. A shoulder injury is the last thing you need.
“He needs to get himself fit before the World Cup. He needs to play games.
“Gundogan is an outstanding player but Phillips would have quite likely replaced Rodri for the Manchester derby had he been fit. It would have been the ideal time for him to start a game. It’s a shame.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed Man City could be forced into a ‘big’ payout after controversial new talks update.