Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled for game time under Pep Guardiola, this week admitted he needs to play more at club level as he seeks to retain his place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024.
That has increased speculation he could leave in January and Guardiola did not rule out the possibility.
"The transfer window is over, now we are here together. When we need a game with transitions, Kalvin is perfect," he said on Friday.
"When there is something you need to do, there are still one or two players who can do it better. That's the simple reason.
"He will be here until winter. After, I don't know what will happen because nobody knows once the window is open."
Guardiola admitted it was "so important" that Rodri can return this weekend after the influential Spain midfielder was badly missed during his three-match suspension following last month's sending-off against Nottingham Forest.
