Manchester City’s Phil Foden will play against Bodo/Glimt despite a broken hand, as Pep Guardiola focuses on Champions League qualification.
MANCHESTER City forward Phil Foden is set to play against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday despite suffering a broken hand.
Foden sustained the injury during Saturday’s Manchester derby defeat but will feature in the Champions League group phase tie in Norway.
“He has, a little bit, broken his bones but he has protection and he is fine for tomorrow,” manager Pep Guardiola told reporters on Monday.
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Guardiola also confirmed striker Erling Haaland would start on his return to Norway, dismissing suggestions he could be rested.
“He said to me he slept unbelievably, so he is fit,” said Guardiola of Haaland, who has 39 goals this season.
City’s winless run in the Premier League extended to four matches after their 2-0 loss at Manchester United.
Guardiola has postponed an inquest into that defeat to focus on securing a Champions League last-16 place.
City are currently fourth in their group, with the top eight teams advancing automatically.
“Coming here we didn’t talk one word about United,” Guardiola said.
“We have the chance to qualify in the top eight. That, I think, is enough to focus on.”
The manager admitted United were the better team in the derby.
“I didn’t review the game but I know United were better. When they’re better you just have to congratulate them.”
City broke routine to prepare for the Arctic Circle clash, training at the Aspmyra Stadion to adapt to the artificial pitch.
“They have to see how the ball bounces, short passes, long passes, this kind of stuff,” Guardiola explained.
“Life is never red carpet. The quicker you adapt and adjust in these uncomfortable situations, you are closer to success.”
Guardiola was in a relaxed mood, looking forward to possibly seeing the Northern Lights.
“We have big, big windows and we’ll take a look,” he said.
“Why not? I’m so focused on my job but why should I not see the sky and the beauty of the universe?” – AFP
