Phil Foden has revealed that he aggravated his foot injury during Manchester City’s win against Newcastle on Saturday, but that he hopes the issue will resolve itself over the next few days.
Foden continued his timely return to form with another player-of-the-match performance, scoring a superb solo goal to set up a 2-0 defeat of Newcastle.
The result kept the pressure up on Premier League leaders Arsenal, but Pep Guardiola will now be sweating on Foden’s fitness ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Foden has endured a tough couple of months since returning from the World Cup, and played through an injury before he had to ask to be rested for a few matches.
During that time he saw Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez establish themselves as Guardiola’s go-to wide players, but four goals in the last week have now made Foden undroppable.
Speaking after Saturday’s win, Foden was confident he can manage the niggling injury.
“It was the derby, I had it just before but it wasn’t too serious then. I damaged it a bit more against United,” Foden said, via the Manchester Evening News.
“Unfortunately, today I’ve kind of hurt it again today but now I need to rest up. We’ve got two days off now so hopefully I’ll have the chance to rest it.
“We are always playing and there is no time to rest, sometimes your feet just need to rest and that was it really. It goes through moments, it’s one of those injuries where physios can’t really help, it goes when it goes, you have to learn how to manage it.
“Whether it’s not training as much, just doing partial training, trying to look after it, I’m just trying to find that balance, trying to keep feeling good. Obviously, when I’m not on the football pitch, I’m very frustrated but I feel like every player goes through those moments – whether it’s a big injury or a niggle. I’m just happy to have passed that stage and to be back performing.”
