Manchester City’s preparations for the Premier League weekend have taken another unwelcome turn, with Pep Guardiola confirming fresh fitness concerns in the heart of his midfield.
The manager, already attempting to navigate ongoing absences in the engine room, has now revealed that one of his midfielders is battling a new setback at a time when squad depth is under increasing strain.
City enter their clash with Leeds United facing a tightening squeeze on midfield resources.
Rodri remains on the comeback trail after a hamstring problem, while Mateo Kovacic’s long-term injury has thinned out the options available to Guardiola in a period already overloaded with matches.
As the team edges deeper into a demanding winter matches of Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures, the intensity is beginning to leave its mark on the squad’s durability.
Although Guardiola has consistently stressed the importance of rotation to protect his players, the reality is that the pool of available midfielders has shrunk significantly.
Pep Guardiola confirmed that Kalvin Phillips has suffered another injury even though those who remain fit are capable of carrying out the heavy workload.
The situation surrounding Kalvin Phillips—already a recurring point of discussion since his arrival from Leeds—continues to shape the manager’s planning ahead of each matchday.
The midfielder’s injury concerns resurfaced earlier this week when he missed a training session ahead of City’s midweek Champions League meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.
It prompted further inquiry into his condition, particularly with City heading into a high-tempo domestic meeting against his former side.
Speaking on Friday, Guardiola confirmed that Phillips is again dealing with a physical problem, saying: “He has some problems, some niggles in his leg. And he needs time to recover.”
The comment, though brief, reveals the uncertainty surrounding Phillips’ availability and amplifies speculation over his immediate and future role at the club.
Implications for Phillips and City as January approaches
Phillips’ injury issues arrive at a significant moment in the season. With the January transfer window approaching, several clubs—both in England and abroad—are understood to be monitoring his situation closely.
Manchester City have never publicly closed the door on a departure, and Phillips himself has previously expressed a desire for more regular football to maintain his place in the England national setup.
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However, another setback complicates an already delicate landscape. Any potential move—whether a loan or a permanent transfer—hinges not only on interest but also on the player’s physical readiness.
Clubs may hesitate to pursue a deal if he remains unavailable, while City could be forced to reconsider their willingness to sanction a departure if their own midfield depth fails to improve.
With Rodri and Mateo Kovacic’s long-term injury, the versatility within the Manchester City squad has already been tested in recent weeks.
Some defensive players have stepped into more advanced roles, while attack-minded midfielders have been tasked with deeper responsibilities to maintain structural balance.
Yet the manager will not want to push regular starters beyond their limits, especially with City still very much alive in multiple competitions.
This broader challenge extends into the winter months, where every match carries weight. City’s pursuit of another Premier League title, combined with ambitions in Europe, leaves little room for missteps.
The stability of the midfield—long viewed as the team’s greatest strength—suddenly feels fragile.
