Pep Guardiola has had to deal with injury and fitness issues with a range of his Manchester City players so far this season.
Despite that, the Blues have still managed to win all of their four Premier League games and avoided losing their opening Champions League match against Inter Milan.
In fact, City have scored more goals (11) than any other side in the Premier League, which is what they did in their previous campaign where they became the first side to win four consecutive league trophies.
With Sunday seeing the Blues take on Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium for their latest league outing, Guardiola has pinpointed one particular figure from his squad he’s excited to have back available.
Pep Guardiola says he’s delighted to have Phil Foden back fit again
After seeing Phil Foden make just his second appearance of the season in Wednesday’s draw against Inter, Guardiola had this to say about the midfielder in his recent press conference (via Man City).
He said: “Every player needs a break, a rest, and he had some disturbances in the last weeks, but he played a good 45 minutes in the last game.
“He was the best player in the Premier League last season, so of course we need him. His intensity and pressing, and his movements in the small pockets is one of the best in the world.
“So that’s why we’re pleased, he’s pleased, and you can imagine how pleased I am that he’s back.”
Foden will want to recreate his form from last season
Last season saw the 24-year-old score 19 goals and deliver eight assists in 35 top-flight games, landing him the Premier League Player of the Season award.
In fact, Alan Shearer claimed that Foden was unplayable at times last season.
After completing the second half of City’s opening Premier League game of this season against Chelsea, the Englishman had not featured for his side until the recent draw with Inter.
Now that Foden is back fit again, Guardiola and everyone at the Manchester club will be hoping that the midfielder can recreate the sort of form he showed last season in this latest campaign, starting with Sunday’s showdown with the Gunners.
