Pep Guardiola believes that Kalvin Phillips can use the criticism surrounding his fitness in recent weeks as a 'good lesson for the future'.
The Manchester City boss accused Phillips of returning from the World Cup 'overweight' and left him out of the squad for their 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round last month.
Phillips made his return for the reigning champions as a late substitute in Thursday's 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola has since stated that Phillips is over his weight issues, and joked that he has the 'perfect body already'.
The Spaniard has insisted that Phillips is needed at the club and hinted that the former Leeds United midfielder could feature in their FA Cup third round tie against Chelsea on Sunday.
"We will see if Phillips plays. I had the feeling last week that he is back," Guardiola revealed in his pre-match press conference. "It will maybe be a good lesson for Phillips for the future. You have to be perfect, you have to be ready because it’s so demanding.
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"Kalvin last season at Leeds was injured and couldn’t train when he came. He fought to go to the World Cup. That’s why he had a long time without playing. We need Kalvin."
Phillips has made just five appearances since joining Man City from Leeds in the summer. He is still awaiting his first start for the club and has amassed just 57 minutes of action for the Citizens so far this term.
He was sidelined with a shoulder injury for two months ahead of the World Cup but battled his way back to fitness to travel to Qatar as part of Gareth Southgate's England squad.
The 27-year-old made two substitute appearances for the Three Lions at the tournament in their victories over Wales and Senegal respectively.
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