Kalvin Phillips is facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup, as the England midfielder gets set to undergo shoulder surgery.
Phillips has suffered a series of dislocations of his right shoulder over the past two years, and now Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has said his team’s midfielder will be forced to go under the knife.
“The doctor says when you have been out four times with a shoulder, the only solution is surgery,” Guardiola said after City’s win over Wolves on Saturday.
It has been a frustrating start to life at City for Phillips, who made a £42 million move from Leeds in the summer but has played just 14 minutes so far for his new team.
World Cup in doubt
Asked about the chances of Phillips recovering in time for the World Cup, Guardiola said: “I don’t know, I am not a doctor but [if it goes well] he can of course arrive at the World Cup. I think so, but I am not a doctor.”
Phillips has become a key player for Gareth Southgate since making his debut for the Three Lions in 2020. The 26-year-old played nearly every minute at last summer’s European Championship, forming a partnership with Declan Rice in a double pivot as England lost in the final to Italy.
Should Phillips not be fit in time for the World Cup, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson and James Ward-Prowse would be among the top options to replace him.
England will begin the World Cup on November 21 against Iran, before facing the United States and Scotland in Group B.
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