Manchester City handed fitness boost as key man returns to training - Reports

Manchester City have received a significant boost as Phil Foden has returned to training, as per City Xtra, ahead of their clash against Brentford on Saturday, September 14. Foden, who has made only one appearance this season, was absent from City’s squad for the last two games.

Despite the absence of the PFA Player of the Year, Pep Guardiola’s side have carried their ruthless form into the new season.

Erling Haaland has returned to his best, already scoring seven goals, while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have stepped up, helping City record three wins in three league matches.

Foden, meanwhile, missed City’s pre-season tour of the USA after being granted an extended break following the European Championships. He began on the bench in City’s opening game against Chelsea but came on in the second half to replace Savinho.

Since then, the 24-year-old has been sidelined by illness, which ruled him out of the matches against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. Although Foden was initially named in Lee Carsley’s England squad, Guardiola indicated he would not be fit for the games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. Foden subsequently withdrew from the Three Lions squad, along with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

This news is indeed a boost for Manchester City, especially as Oscar Bobb has been ruled out long-term due to an injury sustained during pre-season.

Additionally, Savinho appears to be facing some issues as he did not feature against West Ham United either. Foden’s return will undoubtedly provide much-needed depth for Guardiola on the right wing.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden could become a club legend

Since Phil Foden burst onto the scene a few years ago, he has won numerous accolades both individually and collectively. After winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice, the England international went on to secure the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award for the 2023-24 season.

Last campaign was undoubtedly Foden’s best to date, as he led Manchester City to a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. With 19 goals and eight assists in the league, his contributions were hugely significant to City’s success.

Quizzed about whether Foden could achieve the status of Manchester City’s greatest-ever player, Guardiola stated that it is certainly possible if he remains at the club.

“I don’t know – this club has a long, long history. So you can’t forget what happened with the players who played at Maine Road, like everyone knows. If he continues his career until the end here and at [the same] level he can be one of the best, for sure," Guardiola said in May (via The Guardian).

After their clash against Brentford, Foden and Manchester City will play their opening Champions League tie against Inter (September 18) before facing Arsenal on Sunday, September 22.