It seemed like Manchester City maestro Phil Foden could make a prompt return to the pitch against Juventus in the Champions League.
Foden was spotted in training, seemingly ready to return from suffering bronchitis.
With Foden having registered five goal involvements (three goals and two assists) in the Champions League, City remain reliant on him.
Rio Ferdinand claimed Foden’s form has dipped this season, stating that currently, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer have outdone him.
Pep Guardiola rules Man City’s Phil Foden out against Juventus
The 24-year-old will be desperate for Manchester City to return to winning ways against Thiago Motta’s side on Wednesday.
The Englishman would have even been more desperate to play an important part in the contest.
However, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Foden will not play against Juventus in his latest press conference.
Guardiola said via BeanymanSports: “I don’t think so. Maybe a few minutes for Kova [Mateo Kovacic] but I don’t think so. But it’s nice to have them back in the team and in training and of course, travel with us.”
So far, Foden has missed a lot of football this season.
Starting a mere six games in the Premier League, the reigning PFA Players’ Player of the Year winner has had far too much of a stop-start season, with niggles and illness to blame for that being the case and is now set not to miss his first Champions League outing.
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Which Man City players won’t play against Juventus?
Apart from Foden, there are other players who have been ruled out of the clash in Turin.
Pep Guardiola also revealed that Nathan Ake could miss weeks of football due to his latest injury while being unsure about Manuel Akanji’s return to full fitness.
“I don’t know [how long they will be out for] yet. Nathan will be longer than Manu [Akanji], but I don’t know.”
Guardiola was asked: “Weeks?”
The Catalan tactician replied: “Yeah.”
It seems like Akanji’s fitness is touch and go, with Foden and Ake not set to play any part in the high-profile European fixture.
