Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provides a fitness update on Phil Foden after the England international sat out Sunday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed Phil Foden missed the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest through illness.
The England international has been a standout player for the Citizens this season, netting 24 goals and providing 10 assists in 48 competitive appearances.
Foden played a key role in Thursday’s 4-0 away win over Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring a brace to become just the third player to register 50 top-flight goals under Guardiola’s watch.
However, the 23-year-old was a notable absentee from Man City’s squad for Sunday’s clash with Forest at the City Ground.
In Foden’s absence, the Citizens went on to record a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland.
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Foden misses out through illness
Speaking prior to his 300th Premier League game as manager, Guardiola revealed that Foden was forced to sit out the win due to illness.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “He is not ready, He is ill. He didn’t feel good, discomfort today, and he is back to Manchester. It is what it is. It is a long season, they always happen these kind of things.”
Like Foden, defender Ruben Dias was left out of the matchday squad because of illness, ensuring Guardiola stuck with a backline of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Gvardiol.
Foden and Dias now have a week to recover before Man City continue their title bid in Saturday’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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Haaland makes his comeback
Haaland returned to action after missing the previous two games against Chelsea and Brighton due to a muscle injury.
After starting the game on the bench, the Norwegian came on to net Man City’s second and his 21st league goal of the season.
Haaland is now the Premier League’s outright top scorer, having netted one more than his former Man City teammate Cole Palmer.
The Citizens finish the weekend in second place in the standings, with just one point separating them from leaders Arsenal, who have played a game more.
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