Manchester City forward Phil Foden is set to face Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday despite suffering a broken hand as Pep Guardiola looks to erase the bitter taste of defeat in the Manchester derby.
Phil Foden was forced off at half-time during Manchester City’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday after landing awkwardly on his arm. However, the England star’s hand injury will not prevent him from featuring in City’s upcoming Champions League group stage match in Norway.
Guardiola provided an update on Foden’s condition, saying, “He has, a little bit, broken his bones but he has protection and he is fine for tomorrow,” confirming that the injury is not serious enough to keep the player out.
The City boss also dismissed speculation that Erling Haaland, who has failed to score from open play in his last seven matches, might be rested for the match. Guardiola revealed that Haaland, who has scored 39 goals for both club and country this season, is feeling in peak form: “He said to me he slept unbelievably, so he is fit,” Guardiola said.
After their defeat at Old Trafford, City’s winless run in the Premier League extended to four matches, allowing Arsenal to widen their lead at the top to seven points. Despite this, Guardiola has decided to put the loss behind him and focus on securing City’s qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
“We didn’t talk one word about United coming here,” Guardiola explained. “We have the chance to qualify in the top eight, and that’s enough to focus on. I didn’t review the game, but I know United were better. When they’re better, you just have to congratulate them, improve, and move on.”
In preparation for their clash in the Arctic Circle, City have broken from their usual routine. Guardiola typically prefers to train in Manchester before traveling for away European matches, but this time he opted to hold a session at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø, Norway, to help his players adjust to the artificial pitch and the sub-zero temperatures.
“They have to see how the ball bounces, short passes, long passes, this kind of stuff,” Guardiola said of the unusual conditions. “Life is never red carpet. The quicker you adapt and adjust in these uncomfortable situations, you are closer to success.”
Despite the challenges, Guardiola remains relaxed and eager to enjoy the view of the Northern Lights from his hotel room. “We have big, big windows and we’ll take a look. We will enjoy it. Why not? I’m so focused on my job but why should I not see the sky and the beauty of the universe?” he said.