Pep Guardiola has said Phil Foden is ready to return for Manchester City against Arsenal this weekend.
Foden’s football has been limited across the season’s opening weeks as Guardiola has handed rest to the members of his squad involved in the latter stages of Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
The 24-year-old featured for 45 minutes during the midweek draw with Inter Milan, his first appearance since the Premier League’s opening weekend due to a virus.
Guardiola has insisted Foden is ready for the weekend, however, in a big boost to the Blues. Foden was named as the PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year last season after scoring 27 goals in all competitions for the champions.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said he is delighted to have Foden back and hailed the midfielder as ‘one of the best in the world’ in ‘his pressing and movement in the small pockets’.
“Everyone needs a break,” Guardiola said on Foden’s delayed start to the season.
“He was the best player in the league last season so of course we need him, to make competition and fight with the other midfield players and wingers.
“His intensity, his pressing and his movement in the small pockets is one of the best in the world so you can imagine how pleased I am that he’s back. Yeah, I think he’s ready [to play 90 minutes].”
