Pep Guardiola has revealed Phil Foden is “definitely” ready to start for Manchester City against Lyon in the Champions League
Fresh injuries to Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus, on top of Kevin de Bruyne’s long-standing knee problem, mean City have travelled to France with just 19 available players.
But Guardiola believes Foden, 18, is ready to play in important games for his club.
Does Foden have a future under Guardiola? Five things to know:
1. Foden broke onto the scene after playing a key role in England’s Under-17 World Cup glory in 2017.
2. The teenager made 10 club appearances last season; already playing 11 times in all competitions this term.
3. After featuring prominently in pre-season, Foden started in the 2-0 Community Shield victory over Chelsea in August.
4. He has also started twice in the EFL Cup, scoring his first Manchester City goal at Oxford United.
5. Foden, Fabian Delph, David Silva, Fernandinho and Brahim Diaz are the only central-midfielders in City’s travelling squad.
During his press conference ahead of the trip to Lyon, Guardiola was asked if Foden is ready to start in a game as important as Tuesday’s, to which he replied: “Definitely.”
Via the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola added: “Phil is now stronger and able to play with us without a doubt. He plays so aggressive with the ball and without he is so intense.
“Every time he plays he is so good. That’s why he is ready. He is part of the squad.”
What do Manchester City need to qualify?
Guardiola’s men will qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a point in Lyon, while three points would see them secure top spot in Group F.
The Premier League champions will hope to go at least one further in Europe this term – last season they reached the semi-finals before losing to Liverpool, who in turn lost to Real Madrid in the final.
Man City are currently two points clear at the top of the Premier League as they look to defender their domestic title whilst adding new trophies to their cabinet.
The post Phil Foden is ready to start for Man City, says Guardiola appeared first on Squawka News.
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