‘Fingers crossed!’, ‘Any news on Mbete?’ – Man City fans react as Club receive Kalvin Phillips fitness boost ahead of Crystal Palace clash

Manchester City are hopeful that further assessments on Kalvin Phillips’ injury could deem the midfielder available to face Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Kalvin Phillips appeared to pick up an injury in Manchester City’s charity game with Barcelona on Wednesday night.

The England international has not started in any of the club’s four competitive matches this season and has played just one minute across those games.

The ex-Leeds United midfielder started the game at the Nou Camp but had to be replaced on 57 minutes after seeming to hurt his upper body.

It was unclear whether the injury was sustained to the arm or shoulder, but after attempting to play on, Phillips ultimately signalled to the City bench to indicate he had to be replaced.

Phillips has suffered two shoulder injuries in the last two years, and there were fears that this could be a recurrence of the same issues for the summer signing.

However, Manchester City have been handed a key boost in their hopes of having Phillips available to face the Eagles.

According to Manchester Evening News, the former Leeds midfielder could be back sooner than initially feared.

As per the report, Phillips will have further assessments over the next few days before a decision is made over his availability for Crystal Palace at home this weekend.

The report was shared on Twitter and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

I hope 🙏

— mcfc (@12_jimkook) August 25, 2022

“Made of glass, isn’t he? Injured a lot at Leeds as well.”
Credit: @Rogmatic2693

“Can he play ninty minutes without getting injured”
Credit: @Anderson_5454

“Was hoping that it was basically him just being very cautious given his history of shoulder injuries, and his face wasn’t one of serious pain or anything, more just nerves given a minor tweak. Fingers crossed!”
Credit: @StevenMcinerney

“That would be good news & for Mbete?”
Credit: @ElBreiiZheuR

“Any news on Mbete? that looked serious
hope he’s okay.”
Credit: @deeacule96

There’s also concern for Luke Mbete, with the young defender taken off on a stretcher in the latter stages of the game and appeared to have suffered a head injury.

The Blues are short on defensive options at present, with Nathan Ake picking up a groin issue at the weekend, while Aymeric Laporte is also absent due to a knee problem.