Significant transfer implications as illness forces Manchester City midfielder to potentially miss FA Cup clash

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips could miss Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie with Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium.

The 28-year-old, who has made just two starts for Manchester City so far this season, could have been in contention to feature against Huddersfield Town this weekend, in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Darren Moore’s side visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester City begin the defence of their FA Cup crown after lifting the trophy at Wembley Stadium in June.

Pep Guardiola’s squad are set for a major injury boost this month, with Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku expected to return to the first-team after resuming training following injury problems.

The Manchester City squad could also be set for change over the course of the month, with the potential for incomings and outgoings during the transfer window.

Phillips currently looks most likely to depart the Etihad Stadium this month, as the England international looks for regular minutes in an attempt to boost his hopes of being selected by Gareth Southgate for the European Championship in Germany.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Juventus, Newcastle and Tottenham, despite having signed a six-year deal upon signing for Manchester City from Leeds United in 2022.

Sunday’s fixture could have provided the chance for Phillips to make his final appearance for the Blues, after netting his first goal for the club in the UEFA Champions League last month from the penalty spot.

But the 29-year-old is at risk of missing the third round tie due to illness, after Pep Guardiola revealed that the midfielder had been unable to train due to sickness.

Should Phillips not feature in the matchday squad on Sunday than the Englishman’s hopes of a domestic transfer could be boosted, with the midfielder not at risk of being ineligible to feature in the FA Cup for another English side.

Phillips is one of four players suffering from illness, with Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva and Scott Carson also effected.