Manchester City will not be able to call upon Kalvin Phillips after details of his loan switch have been revealed.
Pep Guardiola faced news on Monday that midfield star Rodri is set to miss the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Spain international tore his ACL during City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday and now requires surgery.
The news comes as a huge blow with the Sky Blues attempting to fend off title advances from Arsenal and Liverpool this term.
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As reported by The Athletic, City will not be able to recall the former Leeds United man at any point this season.
Phillips was loaned out to Ipswich Town in the summer but details of the deal reveal that Guardiola will not be able to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium this season.
After an underwhelming spell at West Ham United last year, Phillips is attempting to rebuild his career with the newly-promoted side.
He has thus far featured just three times for the Tractor Boys, but played no part in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
“I’ve had some great conversations with players I know here and also with the manager, who I have obviously heard a lot about, and I’m excited to be here and be part of his team, playing how he likes to play the game,” Phillips said back in August.
“The conversations with Kieran McKenna and (CEO) Mark Ashton have been really good and I followed Ipswich’s season closely last year, so I know the journey the club has been on and it’s a great story which I’m now excited to be a part of.
“I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.”
Phillips moved to Manchester City in June 2022 but the 28-year-old failed to break into Guardiola's plans.
Having made just 31 appearances for the club, City will have to look elsewhere for options to solve their midfield crisis.
Ilkay Gundogan, who rejoined from Barcelona earlier this year, will no doubt help, but they may also have to call upon Matheus Nunes and or youngster James McAtee this season.