‘I’m still not 100 per cent’ — Man City star Foden gives fitness warning after sparkling Champions League return | Sporting News Canada

Phil Foden believes it might take a little time for him to get back to top form for Manchester City and England.

Last season’s PFA and FWA Player of the Year has endured a frustrating start to 2024/25 and is yet to start a Premier League match for Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.

Foden came on as halftime substitute during City’s league opener at Chelsea but was then struck down with illness — a lay-off that ruled him out of England’s September wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League.

Niggles and fatigue have been a factor since, although the 24-year-old was named in the starting line-up against Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday, following a lively cameo at Newcastle last weekend.

WATCH: UEFA Champions League with a FREE trial of Paramount+ in USA | A new era of UEFA Champions League in Australia, only on Stan Sport

Foden duly responded with a fine strike to put City 2-0 up and an assist for James McAtee in a 4-0 victory.

“I’m getting there,” he said. “Obviously it’s been a slow start but I’m getting back into it now and I’m delighted to get out there, help the team and score a goal. 

“I’m delighted to be back out there, be myself and do what I do best. I’m still not 100 per cent but I’m making steps forward.”

A fantastic 4-0 win in Bratislava with some magical moments! 🩵#UCL Highlights 👇 pic.twitter.com/ed6SuSRoyf

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 1, 2024

Foden’s goal made him one of only four players to have scored in each of the past seven editions of the Champions League alongside Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

Fellow City academy graduate McAtee is at a contrasting part of his journey at the highest level, having netted his first competitive goal for the club. Rico Lewis, Foden and McAtee — all boyhood City fans – each being involved in the strike was a pleasing moment on a night that was a fairly wretched advert overall for this competition’s new, convoluted league phase.

MORE: All the latest Man City news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

“It’s so nice to see — it’s a dream come true for us to play in the first team,” Foden added. “We’ve all worked so hard for it. It’s so nice to be out there and play with them, we deserve to be here. 

I was always talking to my mates when I was younger, and I was dreaming of playing in the Champions League – just hearing that anthem before the game. It’s always been a dream of mine and every time I score in the Champions League it’s always the same special feeling.”