Man of moment Foden dazzles despite injury
PHIL Foden was injured when he scored twice and won the man-of-thematch award against Burnley.
The City midfielder paid the price for his heroics against the Clarets, with his leg swelling up the next day and forcing him to miss Thursday’s trip to Chelsea – when the Blues finally gave up their Premier League crown with a defeat.
But Foden is fighting to be ready for the FA Cup quarter-final at Newcastle today, with the knock not thought to be too serious.
Guardiola revealed that Foden picked up the problem – ‘a huge kick’ – in the opening stages of the 5-0 victory over Burnley on Monday night, but played on.
As well as his two goals and an all-action display, the 20-year-old also played an exquisite part in David Silva’s goal, with an exquisite no-look reverse pass to free Bernardo Silva.
He has arguably been City’s best player since the season re-started, scoring three times in two games and giving notice that he is making another stride forward in his development.
But City face another centre back dilemma at Newcastle – they will be without the suspended Fernandinho and John Stones, who has yet to figure after suffering an injury in training.
“He’s still injured,” said Guardiola. “We knew it after lockdown for the lack of preparation.”
Guardiola is also likely to be without Sergio Aguero for the rest of the season after he underwent knee surgery on Wednesday.
They also lost Joao Cancelo to a muscular problem, making him a doubt for the cup tie.
“We knew it – lack of preparation and this amount of games in a short time we have to survive,” he said.
“Survive and try to qualify for the Champions League and arrive good on Sunday.”