Kalvin Phillips to be included in Manchester City Premier League squad | OneFootball

Kalvin Phillips is set to be included in Manchester City’s 25-man Premier League squad, giving him an unexpected chance to revive his career.

The 29-year-old midfielder has not played for City since the Club World Cup in 2023 and was tipped to leave this summer after consecutive loan spells.

However, manager Pep Guardiola appears ready to keep him involved this season, with Phillips returning to training and working on his fitness.

Phillips spent last year on loan at Ipswich Town, making appearances in half of their matches before they were relegated.

He was with West Ham United the previous season, but failed to impress. His game time improved at Ipswich, yet there was still an expectation he would be loaned out again.

City’s manager suggested earlier this year that he wanted a smaller squad, but injuries have reshaped those plans.

Rodri is fit again, but Mateo Kovacic is sidelined until October, leaving Phillips with a possible route back into matchday squads.

It marks a dramatic shift for a player signed in 2022 from Leeds United for £45 million, at a time when he was firmly established in the England squad.

Setbacks have impacted Phillips’ time at City. An early injury necessitated surgery shortly after his arrival, and the World Cup in Qatar further disrupted his progress.

Guardiola then criticised his physical condition, publicly commenting on his weight. The midfielder ended that season with just 21 appearances in all competitions.

Loans followed, and his Etihad career looked over at the start of this summer. Yet the decision to include him in the squad signals a potential lifeline, even if his role remains uncertain.

Guardiola has often redeployed players into different positions, and with City short at right-back, Phillips could even be considered as a defensive option.

Phillips was pictured training with City earlier this week, and he could be named among the substitutes when Manchester United visit the Etihad Stadium this weekend.