Kalvin Phillips' start to life at Manchester City has been plagued by injury struggles.
The England international's incredible rise was stunted last season, as he was forced to miss 13 Premier League games due to a hamstring strain.
While the 26-year old still earned a move to Manchester City, his injury issues have followed him at his new club.
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The former Leeds midfielder suffered a dead leg during England’s Nations League clash against Germany, and had to be substituted in the first-half.
While Phillips was fit in time to make the matchday squad for the Sky Blues’ Premier League opener against West Ham, his injury woes have continued recently.
Another hamstring problem meant the Englishman was excluded from the squad altogether in City’s 4-0 thumping of AFC Bournemouth earlier this month.
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However, the the Leeds-born star had returned back to full fitness after a minor setback.
Phillips made the 20-man squad as Pep Guardiola’s side travelled to St. James’ Park to battle it out in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Newcastle United last weekend.
The £42 million man was deemed match fit in Manchester City’s 3-3 draw in a friendly against Barcelona, as he started the encounter as the lone defensive midfielder.
Phillips was forced off midway through the Blues' clash at the Camp Nou last weekend, suffering an injury to his upper arm.
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The 2020/21 England Player of the Year gave an insight into his recent fitness struggles, ahead of last midweeks clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.
“I’m fine. I had a little tear in my hamstring so I decided to rest but now I’m feeling good and fit now”, he revealed, as quoted by Manchester City’s official website.
The highly-acclaimed midfielder also discussed the squad's trip to Spain, with Guardiola's side having been involved in a warm weather training camp in Girona, prior to the Barcelona fixture.
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“It’s been really important to get to know everyone. Travelling with everyone too. It’s been really good and the weather has been really nice.”
Phillips also touched on the occasion, the feeling in the dressing room ahead of the clash, and the privilege of facing one of the biggest clubs in the world in Barcelona.
“I think for me personally, it’s important to come to places like this. I’ve not really played at stadiums like this. It’s a charity game but we want to come here, play our game and express ourselves.”
Kalvin Phillips got 57 minutes under his belt against Xavi’s side, before a precautionary substitution was initiated by Pep Guardiola, with Rodri entering the fray.
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While the Spanish anchor remains the Premier League champions’ first-choice number six, Phillips’ availability remains key as a long and hard season awaits a side that will fight on all four fronts once again.
Topics: Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips, Premier League
Srinivas Sadhanand