Foden returns to training in major boost for Man City, after missing a month

Manchester City have been handed a major boost after Phil Foden returned to training on Wednesday.

Foden, 24, has been absent for the past three weeks with an ongoing illness and missed City's clashes with Ipswich and West Ham.

The attacking midfielder was originally named in England's squad for their games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, before he was forced to withdraw - alongside Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins - due to the issue.

Foden had been described as unwell since winning the PFA Player of the Year award on Tuesday, August 20 and Guardiola claimed the midfielder had been in ‘discomfort’ after City’s win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend.

However, in promising signs for City, Foden was pictured looking back to full fitness as he took part in City's training session yesterday.

He was seen duelling for the ball alongside Mateo Kovacic, who has just returned from a week away with Croatia, while Kyle Walker was also back on the training pitch after missing out on England selection.

Foden has already had a disrupted start to the campaign after his exploits with the Three Lions at Euro 2024 over the summer, with the 24-year-old only returning to pre-season after City had beaten United in the Community Shield on penalties.

He was introduced off the bench at half-time in their 2-0 victory over Chelsea on the opening weekend, before he missed the aforementioned clashes with Ipswich and West Ham.

Speaking ahead of that game with the Hammers, Guardiola had provided an update on Foden.

‘Hopefully after the international break Phil will be ready,’ Guardiola said. ‘He played 45 minutes against Chelsea and after he didn't feel good.

‘We made tests, he feels better but he doesn't feel perfect so we prefer to give him time to come back after the international break and be ready for the next games.’

Foden won the PFA Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season in 2023-24 after a stunning campaign.

In total, the 24-year-old racked up 19 goals and eight assists as City won the Premier League for the fourth successive campaign.

Guardiola's side return to action on Saturday when they host Brentford, before they kick off their Champions League campaign with a blockbuster clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday.