Phillips in new England injury scare

KALVIN PHILLIPS suffered a major blow two months before the World Cup after sustaining a recurrence of a shoulder injury.

The Manchester City midfielder missed yesterday’s victory at Wolves and is withdrawing from England duty as a result.

City must decide whether the problem, his second shoulder issue of the season, requires surgery and it could throw his World Cup place into jeopardy.

England manager Gareth Southgate has one final chance to run the rule over his squad before heading for Qatar with Nations League ties against Italy and Germany.

Phillips — who performed well for England as they reached last summer’s European Championship final, which they lost to Italy 3-2 on penalties — has only managed 14 minutes of action so far this season.

City spent £42million on signing the 26-year-old from Leeds but he has now picked up three separate injuries since joining the club.

Spain international Rodri has started every game so far this campaign in the absence of a fully-fit Phillips, with defender John Stones finishing the win over Wolves as a holding midfielder.

l BEN DAVIES has been ruled out of Wales duty with a knee injury but Tottenham boss Antonio Conte expects to have him back in action soon after the international break.

‘Not a serious injury,’ said Conte ahead of Spurs’ win against Leicester. Wales have UEFA Nations League games against Belgium and Poland, their final fixtures before the World Cup.