Jude Bellingham supports Kalvin Phillips after Man City star's statement

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Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips made his return to action in the Carabao Cup and his outing has been celebrated by Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham was pleased to see midfielder Kalvin Phillips back on the pitch as he made his first appearance for Manchester City in almost two years.

The 29-year-old made a seven-minute cameo in the Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield Town as he also marked his return, three months on from undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury.

Phillips' last outing under Pep Guardiola came in the Club World Cup semi-final against Urawa Red Diamonds in 2023. Difficult loan spells with West Ham and Ipswich Town followed.

It was a poignant moment for the former Leeds United star as he came off the bench in Yorkshire. "It’s been a long 3 and a half months out and there’s still work to be done personally," he posted on Instagram.

"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 @mancity"

Bellingham, an England team-mate of Phillips at the 2022 World Cup, was pleased to see Phillips make his return to action and posted a simple response.

"What a sight," he commented, as Sami Szmodics, Luke Ayling and Leif Davis all posted their congratulations too.

It was an eventful day for Phillips, who was required to travel from London to be part of City's squad on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old was in the nation's capital as his partner Ashleigh gave birth to their second child, a baby boy called Ari.

"It’s a good moment," said Guardiola following the game. "Yesterday he was a father to Ari Phillips and he came this morning from London and is now going back to London to his wife and the kids.

"He came back for a few minutes because we didn’t know the position but the game was controlled. They didn’t make a lot of efforts in behind and that was really good."

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