City had 16 players on international duty at the World Cup, more than any other Premier League club, and they were all given time off after their involvement at Qatar 2022 ended, which in Phillips’ case came after England’s quarterfinal loss to France.
“When he will be ready he will play, because we need him, we need him a lot,” said Guardiola, who added he had “absolutely” no issue with England’s training regime.
Asked if he was disappointed, the Spanish boss replied: “It’s a private conversation with Kalvin”.
City resume their Premier League title defence away to Phillips’ former club Leeds on Wednesday.
