Guardiola gives update on Philips’ fitness following the Fulham win

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, gave an update on

’ fitness following City’s thrilling late victory over Fulham and claimed that the England midfielder may be back in action just before the World Cup.

Guardiola confirmed that Philips will be a sub in the mid-week clash against Chelsea in Carabao Cup. Philips has only played for 14 minutes since joining the

from Leeds United in the summer and has been out with a shoulder injury since the start of the season.

Whether his fitness alone will be enough for Gareth Southgate to call him up for the World Cup remains to be seen but considering the hard decision Southgate faces in picking his fit midfielders, it is doubtful that Philips who played a big part in Three Lions Euro 2020 campaign will be called up to play in the World Cup.

“Against Chelsea he will be on the bench, whether to play or not I don't know, but he will be on the bench. Kalvin is much better,"

Guardiola confirmed.

Guardiola also talked about Saturday’s match against Fulham and

’s red card:

"He deserved the red. I say many times to all the players, outside the box after 85 minutes make a foul. But [at that stage of the game], let them score. Okay 1-1, penalty 1-1, but 10 v 11 is too much.

"Hopefully we can learn, not Joao, all of us. It happens in football - if you lose the duel with the striker, it can happen, rely on Eddie, he can save it."

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