There is bad news coming for the England national team. Their mainstay midfielder, Kalvin Phillips reportedly has the potential to fail to defend the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.
Phillips' name is on the rise in the last two seasons. Thanks to his slick appearance at Leeds, he was called up by Gareth Southgate to the England national team and became a mainstay of the Three Lions.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in November, Phillips is projected to still be Gareth Southgate's mainstay. He was also initially called up to defend the England national team in this week's UEFA Nations League.
Sky Sports recently reported that Phillips will most likely miss the 2022 World Cup because he has suffered a serious injury.
Check out Phillips' full condition below.
Back Injury
The report claims that Phillips is likely to miss this international break. Because the midfielder recently suffered a back injury.
This injury was obtained by the midfielder in the middle of last week. This injury is said to have been experienced by the player for a long time.
However, during a Manchester City training session, the injury recurred and his condition was quite severe. That's why Phillips missed playing for Manchester City against Wolverhampton.
Ride the Operating Table
According to the report, Phillips' injury requires special treatment. Even the report claims that Phillips had to go up the operating table to heal this injury.
If Phillips goes up to the operating table, his chances of playing in the 2022 World Cup will be smaller. Because the recovery process for the operation will take a very long time.
Currently, Phillips is still discussing with Manchester City's medical team. They will soon decide whether the midfielder should go on the operating table or not.
Limited stock
If Phillips misses this international break, Gareth Southgate's midfield options will be very limited.
In this international break, Southgate only called five midfielders. If Phillips is absent, then Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Jude Bellingham and James Ward-Prowse will remain in their squad.