Kalvin Phillips had to cancel the England national team’s international trip. Because of a persistent shoulder injury, the city star is threatened with surgery – his participation in the World Cup is in danger.
Phillips, who has suffered two serious shoulder injuries in his career, was called up by Gareth Southgate for the current England squad despite having only played 14 minutes since joining Manchester City.
However, English media have now reported that Phillips will not be able to take part in the upcoming Three Lions internationals. Instead, he will undergo surgery to fix the problem in his shoulder.
While missing Nations League games against Italy and Germany isn’t ideal, Phillips’ biggest concern is not getting fit in time to play at the World Cup.
Southgate’s provisional squad for the tournament is expected to be announced in just over a month. Phillips is likely to make the provisional squad as the manager will give him every chance to get fit – but time is clearly not on his side.
“I don’t know [how long he’s out] – I’m not a doctor. But with good treatment he can play in the World Cup,” Pep Guardiola said of his protégé’s absence. “The doctor said the only solution right now is surgery.”
This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Kalvin Phillips Shoulder Surgery – World Cup in Danger? released.
