Phil Foden is the leading contender to be named Player of the Year (Picture: Getty)
The reason for Phil Foden’s omission from the Manchester City squad in their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest has been revealed.
Foden has been in great form for City this season – producing 16 goals and seven assists across 31 top-flight games – and has been lauded for his performances, with some tipping him to be named Premier League Player of the Year 2023-24.
He was widely expected to start against Forest on Sunday as Pep Guardiola’s side continue to fight Arsenal and Liverpool for the Premier League trophy.
Foden scored twice in a 4-2 victory at Brighton in City’s last top-flight fixture leading to confusion as to why he wasn’t in the squad at all for the Forest clash.
Why did Foden miss Forest v Man City?
Manchester City’s Phil Foden has picked up an illness (Picture: Getty)
Phil Foden missed Manchester City’s game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground due to illness, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
‘He’s not ready,’ Guardiola said ahead of kick-off. ‘He’s ill. He doesn’t feel good. Discomfort today. He is back in Manchester.
‘It is what is is. It’s a long season, these kind of things can happen. Another one is going to play.’
When will Foden return for Man City?
After their match against Nottingham Forest, City have almost a full week of rest before they face Wolves in a home match on May 4.
It is likely that Foden will return for that clash at the Etihad, given he only missed the Forest game due to illness, although it’s not known how severe his illness is.
How did Guardiola replace Foden in the XI?
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Pep Guardiola made two changes to his starting line-up amid news of Foden’s absence with Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku named in the XI.
Mateo Kovacic dropped the bench, while Erling Haaland was also named among the substitutes after he missed the last two matches due to injury.
Ruben Dias, meanwhile, was absent from the squad having remained on the bench for the previous game.