Pep Guardiola criticised the player's fitness, saying the England midfielder was overweight and not in good enough condition to train after his return from the World Cup last month.
The manager's complaint compounded Phillips' frustrating start at City following his summer move from Leeds.
Prior to the World Cup, the 27-year-old had made just four substitute appearances, totalling 54 minutes, for the Premier League champions.
He returned to action with a late run-out from the bench in Thursday's Premier League victory at Chelsea and he could now feature again as the sides meet in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.
This story is from the January 07, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 07, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eriksen confirms no talks with Reds over new contract
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has confirmed he has not held talks with United over a new deal.
ONE OF CLUB'S BEST SIGNINGS
ONE of the best signings of the City era is leaving.
SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN
SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.
PM keen to harness identities of regions
THE Council of the Nations and Regions has moved the UK \"a long way down the road\" towards more jobs and investment, the Prime Minister has said.
Peacekeepers hit again
THE United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has said new explosions hit its headquarters yesterday morning, injuring two peacekeepers, a day after Israeli forces struck the same position.
Life for killer who hid her dead parents
AN \"INTELLIGENT manipulator\" who murdered her parents then lived alongside their bodies for four years while spending their money has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years.
No cash to fix 'decrepit' Strangeways
PRISON GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION SAYS JAIL STAFF NEED 'MASSIVE INVESTMENT' TO TACKLE FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS
First new buzz route restores missing link
BUSES between Wigan and the Trafford Centre will double to run every 30 minutes instead of an hour later this month, it's been revealed.
Council's £200k winter fuel boost for pensioners
THE creation of a new fund of £200,000 to support local pensioners hit by the winter fuel payment cuts has been passed by Bolton council.
Rivals rubbish £45 charge for collecting garden waste
PLANS SLAMMED AS 'TAX ON POOR AND VULNERABLE'