Manchester City could now be without Phil Foden for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United.
That is according to the Manchester Evening News.
So, what is the latest on Phil Foden at Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the £225,000-a-week man was left on the bench as Manchester City recorded a 3-1 win over BSC Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
That raised a few eyebrows amongst the Manchester City fans, with some speculating whether an injury was involved.
Now, that appears to be the case.
The Manchester Evening News believe Foden is suffering with a “little problem” which Pep Guardiola will presumably be asked about in his press conference later today.
If the treble winners are without the England international, it would be a major blow.
Foden scored a hat-trick against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium last season as Guardiola’s side romped to a 6-3 win, and is regularly one of Manchester City’s better performers.
Who could replace Phil Foden for Manchester City?
If Foden is forced to miss Sunday’s Manchester derby, it could open up an opportunity for Rico Lewis – who Guardiola called a “master” earlier this week.
The 18-year-old has shone for Manchester City recently, picking up the Man of the Match award in each of the last two UEFA Champions League outings, which came against RB Leipzig and BSC Young Boys.
Despite the teenager’s rise under Guardiola, a Manchester derby at Old Trafford may have come too soon for him if everyone was fit, although Foden’s potential absence opens up a door for Lewis next to Bernardo Silva in that right-sided No.10 role.
If the Manchester City No.82 is selected to start, we would expect him to smash it based on his superb performances so far this season.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Guardiola’s press conference later, where an update on Foden should be provided.
