Manchester City's Phil Foden needs time to recover from ankle injury before Club World Cup.

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is struggling with ankle injuries and believes he needs time off to fully recover. Foden, who scored 19 goals last season, has only scored 7 this season due to various knocks. He hopes to discuss recovery with the club and national team to ensure he is 100% back for the Club World Cup next month.

Manchester City forward Phil Foden has admitted to facing significant challenges this season, both on and off the pitch. The 24-year-old, who won the PFA Player of the Year award last year, has struggled to recapture his impressive form from the previous season, managing only 10 goals this term. Foden's performance has been hindered by an ankle injury sustained against Manchester United in April, which he revealed is not yet fully healed [1].

The injury occurred during a goalless draw at Old Trafford on April 6, where Foden was tackled by Casemiro and forced off after 57 minutes. Foden has since struggled with ankle pain and has played with the injury, which has affected his performance. He has not scored since January and was only a late replacement in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace.

In addition to the physical challenges, Foden has also faced mental hurdles. He revealed that he has been dealing with mental issues off the pitch, stating, "Sometimes there’s things in life bigger than football. This season I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before because I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have."

Foden has been supported by Manchester City, with the club providing him with the necessary backing. However, he is uncertain whether he can rest before the upcoming Club World Cup, which the team will attend on June 12. Foden suggested that he needs further time to fully recover, stating, "You need time for it to heal. I love to come back on the football pitch as soon as possible. All I can see is I’m feeling a lot better now and can really push on with it."

The midfielder is unsure about whether he can take a break before the Club World Cup, noting the upcoming international matches for England. He hopes to discuss his recovery with the club and national team to ensure he is 100% fit for the tournament.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/21/phil-foden-admits-to-facing-challenges-off-the-pitch-mentally-this-season-manchester-city