Phil Foden returns to Manchester City training after illness

Phil Foden has returned to training with Manchester City after being sidelined for nearly a month due to an undisclosed illness. The 24-year-old midfielder had been experiencing discomfort since winning the PFA Player of the Year award in August and was forced to withdraw from England's squad for matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. His absence included key fixtures against Ipswich and West Ham, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the upcoming matches. Manager Pep Guardiola had previously indicated that Foden was not feeling well after his brief appearance against Chelsea, where he played 45 minutes. Following tests, it was determined that while he was improving, he needed more time to recover fully. Guardiola expressed hope that Foden would be ready to return after the international break, emphasizing the importance of allowing him to regain his fitness before rejoining the squad. Foden's return to training is a significant boost for Manchester City as they prepare for their next match against Brentford and the Champions League clash with Inter Milan. His contributions were vital last season, where he scored 19 goals and provided eight assists, helping City secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title. As Foden resumes training, the team looks to integrate him back into the lineup, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. His recovery will be closely monitored as City navigates a busy schedule ahead.