It looks unlikely there will be an Elland Road reunion for Kalvin Phillips next week when Leeds United play host to Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Whites resume their domestic campaign with a tough test against City, who defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.
However, Phillips was a surprise absence from the midweek Cup tie, with the 27-year-old left out of the City squad entirely.
It has been revealed Phillips missed out on making Pep Guardiola's squad to face Liverpool after he returned from the World Cup "overweight" according to the Spaniard.
"He [Kalvin Phillips] is not injured. He arrived overweight," said Guardiola in the aftermath of the 3-2 win over Liverpool.
When asked when the midfielder could return to the City squad, Guardiola replied: "I don't know. He didn't arrive in the condition for the training sessions and to play."
It's safe to say Phillips' move to the Etihad this season has been a disappointing one. Leaving Leeds in the summer for £42m, the midfielder had hoped to break into City's starting XI.
However, injuries and the form of Rodri have seen Phillips limited to making just four appearances this term. And Leeds fans have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the Phillips fitness news...
@Bielsaball28 tweeted: "Him [Phillips] coming back from the world Cup overweight so he doesn't have to play us, that is proper loyalty."
@GinoProg tweeted: "Look what England did to him! His weight never an issue at Leeds."
@Sdamiels1967 tweeted: "Hypothetically of course. Would Leeds fans buy Kalvin Phillips back for say £30m?"
@LeedsUnited_MAD tweeted: "Disgusted by Pep's comments. Disgraceful media reporting. Lots of kids look up to KP & for God's sake, if he's overweight, most of us don't have a chance! Come back Kal; we love you at Leeds."
@littlechesney tweeted: "Even though he might not have said it publicly this is something Bielsa would have definitely said to Kalvin. And we are talking top level athletes maybe a few pounds overweight rather than stones."
@joe_rockabilly tweeted: "Phillips is paid a lot of money to stay fit. It’s his job. Southgate is paid a lot of money to get the best out of the England squad. Seems neither happened. Pep is clearly more demanding than Southgate. Bielsa would have been. Probably best kept in the dressing room though."
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