Kalvin Phillips sends passionate message as he made his Man City return after 645 days
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(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media/ Imago)
Aasif Rahman
Thu 25 September 2025 11:15, UK
Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips dispatched a positive message on social media after returning from injury.
Man City eased past Huddersfield Town to advance to the next round of the Carabao Cup, where they will travel to Swansea City.
Phil Foden had opened the scoring with a shot from outside the box, with Savinho netting his first goal of the campaign.
One player featuring that may have surprised supporters is Phillips, who made his first Man City appearance in 645 days.
The 29-year-old has been recovering from an injury since the end of last season after his loan spell at Ipswich Town came to an end.
While Football Insider revealed Phillips was open to leaving Man City in the window, the midfielder stayed beyond the deadline as he continued his recovery.
Now, he has shared a message for the fans upon his return.
Phillips posted on Instagram with a message to supporters and kept in high spirits amid his return after a lengthy layoff.
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He said: “It’s been a long 3 and a half months out and there’s still work to be done personally.
Nevertheless, I’m so happy to be back out on the pitch again in a City shirt.
“Thank you to the fans for your support, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Onto the next round”.
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He saw plenty of reaction to his message, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham commenting “What a sight”, and former teammate Sam Szmodics saying, “He’s back.
Love it mate”.
Other players, such as Erling Haaland and Tottenham’s James Maddison, showed support by liking the post.
He last made an appearance for the Cityzens in December 2023 before making a loan move to West Ham just weeks later.
Man City supporters suggested Phillips could play at right-back after the side failed to make a move and replace Kyle Walker, but Guardiola still sees him in a central role after coming on for Nico Gonzalez.
ClubAppearancesMan City234Leeds32West Ham10Ipswich22Kalvin Phillips’ appearances by club.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Phillips wanted to move to Leeds in the summer, but a deal didn’t materialise.
However, the 29-year-old was recovering from an Achilles tendon problem, and the Whites decided against the signing, despite their interest in a potential reunion.
City were also open to selling the midfielder, and if their stance doesn’t change, that will present an opportunity for Leeds to reignite their interest.