The midfielder had shoulder surgery earlier in the autumn and last featured for City in our 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in September.
Guardiola has made no secret about Phillips’ positive progress following that setback and revealed that he has now returned to full training.
He also explained that, while the England international might not feature, he will be included in our matchday squad when we welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium next week.
The boss also provided an update on Kyle Walker’s fitness, as the full-back looks to make his first appearance since our 6-3 victory over Manchester United in early October.
“They feel much better, yesterday Kalvin was the second day that he did a full training session with contact with us and he felt good,” Guardiola said following City’s late 2-1 victory over Fulham.
“Against Chelsea he will be on the bench, whether to play or not I don’t know but he will be on bench. Kalvin is much better.
“I spoke with Kyle and he feels good too but his surgery was later than Kalvin, that’s why I don’t know.”
With the World Cup looming, Guardiola’s revelation on the fitness of Phillips and Walker will be music to the ears of Gareth Southgate.
And Pep explained that he had been in discussion with the England boss a few weeks ago about the Three Lions duo - who are both important figures for their national team.
However, the boss was quick to stress that his positive update shouldn’t be used as confirmation that both players will be available for selection in Qatar.
He said: “I don’t know. I spoke with Gareth Southgate ten or twelve days ago.
“We had a chat, a coffee, him and his assistant and we talked about them, he spoke with them and the doctors.
“He asked [about Kalvin and Kyle] and I said I don’t know, I’m not a doctor.”
