London, United Kingdom (CNN) – Pep Guardiola, coach of Manchester City, said that England midfielder Calvin Phillips returned from the World Cup suffering from overweight, and not in good condition to play.
Calvin Phillips participated for only 40 minutes as a substitute with the “Three Lions” in the World Cup Qatar, following recovering from a shoulder injury.
The 27-year-old midfield will miss the upcoming Manchester City and Leeds United confrontation, which frustrated the team coach.
Guardiola said regarding Calvin Phillips’ position on participating with the team: “He was not injured, he came back overweight,” adding: “I do not know why, he did not reach a condition that allows him to do training and play.”
Pep Guardiola added: “That’s why he can’t play, when he’s ready, he’ll play because we need him, we need him a lot.”
Asked if he was disappointed to see Calvin Phillips back in such a state, Guardiola replied: “It’s a private conversation with him.”
Representatives of the Football Association and the player refused to comment on the Spanish coach’s statements.
