Phil Foden was named in Manchester City’s matchday squad once again in their 2-1 victory against Brentford on Saturday.
As Foden was warming up on the sidelines, it seemed likely that he would be brought on as a substitute for the second time this season after his first appearance on the opening day against Chelsea.
However, Pep Guardiola decided to keep the 24-year-old on the bench.
Ultimately, Manchester City did not necessarily miss the Englishman’s presence as they ground out an important win against Thomas Frank’s side.
So far this campaign, City have managed to win game after game despite the absence of the 2023/2024 PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
However, it would be difficult to imagine the Sky Blues being able to keep winning games in Foden’s absence for an extended period once again.
Guardiola reveals Man City superstar fitness update
The £225,000-a-week man’s heroics last season emphasised how crucial he is to his boyhood club’s fate.
With Manchester City having a top-class attack at their disposal, they are able to easily replace some of their unavailable stalwarts.
But sooner rather than later, a player who offers as much production, impact and tactical flexibility remains incredibly important to his side.
Especially after the previous campaign in which the Stockport-born midfielder’s role in the side grew massively.
The six-time Premier League winner’s status at the Etihad Stadium is one of a superstar.
Pep Guardiola has revealed where Foden stands in terms of his fitness.
Guardiola said via HaytersTV: “He is good, not too many training sessions. So, step by step, come on, I’m delighted that he’s back.”
“I need him, we need him desperately, this player is so important for us that yeah, he started to train this week and yeah, three, four, five training sessions. The game was tight and the situation’s difficult and I decide for other options.”
Interesting to see when Pep Guardiola decides to start Phil Foden
Considering Foden did not get minutes under his belt against Brentford, it would not be a surprise if Pep Guardiola decided not to start him against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
It seems like the versatile attacker is fit and potentially even firing to start games now.
The Catalan tactician could feel that starting the decorated midfielders against one of the best teams in Europe might not be the best possible option when he has fitter attackers at his disposal.
However, if Guardiola intends to start Foden against Arsenal, he could potentially play him from the off against Watford in the Carabao Cup before doing so.
The Manchester City boss would be keen on the treble-winner regaining full fitness and match sharpness before throwing him into any big game.
As a result, only Pep Guardiola is aware of how he will blood Foden back into the side.
