If we got the right Philips replacement, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Rodri could move further forward when attacking & drop back If needed when defending.
Regardless, as things stand our trusted central midfield is Rodri, Bernardo, KDB, & Foden. We're essentially 2 short at a minimum even if Kovacic (as a maybe) is included.
Kev being injured has left us cruelly exposed at times. At our best & strongest, the likes of Nunes wouldn't get a look in, & Kovacic would be struggling for game time.
We're a couple of signings away from rectifying this. The last thing we need is to limp through the next two seasons with Kova, Philips & Nunes, whereby we'd need major surgery to fix our midfield.
I'd have no issues axing 2-3 of the aforementioned & bringing in top quality replacements, regardless of how little time they've been here.