Online Reporter
PHIL FODEN wants talks with England and Manchester City over his summer plans —as he feels he needs a break.
The Etihad favourite revealed he has been nursing an ankle ligament injury in recent weeks which has affected his form.
He also admitted the mental issues due to off-the-field problems — which he spoke about earlier in the campaign—are still affecting him.
Foden, 24, has ten goals and six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.
It is a stark drop off from the 40 goal involvements that saw him crowned PFA, Football Writers’ and Premier League player of the year last term.
Foden was an unused sub in the 3-1 win against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
City round off their disappointing league campaign against Fulham on Sunday — but the season is far from over for many of their stars.
Thomas Tuchel is due to name his England squad on Friday for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the friendly with Senegal.
For City and Chelsea players, that camp will be swiftly followed by preparations for the Club World Cup.
Pep Guardiola’s side are involved in the 32-team tournament, with their opening match on June 18 and the final on July 13.
Should City go all the way, they will play seven matches in the United States.
The final is just 34 days before the 2025-26 Premier League season gets underway, with a record-breaking bumper World Cup next summer.
So Foden needs a chat to work out how to navigate the next weeks as he battles the ankle issues while on the brink of burnout amid football’s relentless schedule.
The six-time Premier League champion — who was part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2024 final last summer—said: “It’s been difficult.
“I picked up an ankle injury against United in early April and it’s taken time to heal. It was a bad ligament damage to the ankle.
“It took a while to heal before I can push myself back in training, I had to look after it.
“Obviously it’s a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner.
“It’s something we have to speak with the club and national team to see maybe if it’s better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent back how I want it.
“I just don’t know at the moment, it’s a conversation to be had and we’ll see what happens.
“I need a few weeks off it without playing football and obviously I can’t get it at the moment.”
Foden candidly opened up on the injury being another negative note on what has been a “frustrating” season with his struggles on and off the pitch.
But he will hope to hit the ground running in 2025-26 — as he looks to fill Kevin De Bruyne’s boots and break into the Three Lions’ starting XI for the World Cup. —Sun.
