Guardio for Phillips: He returned overweight, unable to play

The midfielder was expected to be on the team for the EFL Cup match against Liverpool, but he was not even involved in the team.

ardiola initially told reporters that Phillips was out of shape, but has now issued another statement.

He's not hurt. He came up overweight. I don't know [why]. He did not come in a position to perform training and to play”, the Spaniard said.

Guarditola also said Phillips will play when it is fully ready.

“When it's ready, it'll play, because we need it, we need it very much to”, Man City coach said.

The 27-year-old joined “citizens” from Leeds United during the summer, but made only four total presentations.