Guardiola complains about Phillips' weight gain after returning from the World Cup
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola complained about midfielder Calvin Phillips' return from the World Cup with his country with "excess weight" and his inability to train normally with the team.
Guardiola was initially vague about why Phillips, 27, was not on the bench in Thursday's 3-2 win over champions Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium.
But after qualifying, Guardiola said on Friday, "He is not injured. He arrived (from the World Cup) overweight. I do not know (why). He did not arrive in good condition to conduct training and play matches."
City had 16 players in the World Cup, more than any other team in the English Premier League, and all of them were given leave after the end of their participation in the World Cup in Qatar.
In the case of Phillips, who made only two appearances as a substitute at the World Cup, it came after England lost in the quarter-finals to France.
"When he's ready he'll play because we need him a lot," Guardiola continued, adding that he has "absolutely" no problem with the England training regime.
When asked if he was disappointed, the Spaniard replied: "It's a private conversation with Calvin."
City will resume its league title defense campaign on Wednesday away to Leeds United, Phillips' former team.
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