LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Phil Foden has opened up on a worrying update regarding his fitness, admitting he has “hurt” a goal-scoring spark
The 22-year-old striker has been struggling with a knock for a while, with the problem made worse during a 57-minute stint of derby action against Manchester United on 14 January.
Foden has been carefully managed since then, scoring four goals in his last three appearances, but the England international admits that he was left in pain after helping to inspire a 2-0 victory over Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium.
According to reporters, Foden says afterwards of the foot problem that he continues to nurse: “It was the derby, I had it just before but it wasn’t too serious then. I damaged it a bit more against United. Unfortunately today I’ve kind of hurt it again, 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.”
Foden just started with 16 Premier League matches for City this season, with Pep Guardiola able to call upon a number of alternative options in midfield and attack.