Goal weight... long wait!

GUARDIOLA TELLS KALVIN TO STAY IN 'PERFECT' SHAPE

- TOM HOPKINSON

PEP GUARDIOLA has warned Kalvin Phillips that he must be in perfect condition year-round.

But, after publicly digging the midfielder out last week for returning from his post-World Cup break overweight, the Manchester City boss is now ready to throw him back into his starting line-up.

That might be today in the FA Cup third round against Chelsea after his late cameo in the Premier League meeting between the two sides on Thursday.

But certainly against Southampton in the Blues' Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday as they try to keep up their pursuit of all four trophies.

Guardiola said: "He wants to change his mind about the way he is going to play and it will maybe be a good lesson for him for the future.

"A footballer has to be perfect over 12 months - perfect.

"Even on holidays, he has to be perfect. You can enjoy, you can do whatever you want, but you have to be ready because at this level it is so demanding.