Softfootball understands that Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is set to play for Manchester City against Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League, even after suffering a hand injury during the 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola confirmed Foden has broken bones in his hand but will wear protective gear and is fit for the match, as reported by the club via their official X account.
He said:
Pep (On Phil Foden) He has broken his bones (in his hand) but he has protection and is fine for tomorrow.
Foden had to come off at halftime after an awkward landing on his arm in the Manchester derby. At first, Guardiola seemed to brush it off, but he has confirmed the injury today in a press conference.
Despite slipping behind Arsenal in the Premier League, Guardiola wants the focus on Europe now. The match in Norway will be tricky, north of the Arctic Circle, with freezing temperatures and an artificial surface. Manchester City even trained at the Aspmyra Stadion to get used to the conditions.
A win would give Man City a good chance to finish in the top eight of the Champions League group, which would mean direct qualification to the round of 16. Right now, they sit fourth out of 36 teams in the standings.
Guardiola also confirmed Erling Haaland will play, despite not scoring from open play in his last seven matches. No resting the striker. He needs to be on the field, Guardiola insists.
Foden playing with a fractured hand shows his grit. For Man City, the trip to Bodø/Glimt is about bouncing back, grabbing crucial points, and keeping their European hopes alive. Injuries, cold weather, it doesn’t matter. They will face it all.
