Man City’s Foden to play through pain of broken hand

AFP | London

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Manchester City forward Phil Foden is set to face Bodo/Glimt yesterday despite suffering a broken hand as Pep Guardiola looks to erase the bitter taste of defeat in the Manchester derby.

Foden was forced off at halftime against Manchester United on Saturday after landing awkwardly on his arm.

But the England star’s hand injury won’t stop him playing in City’s Champions League group phase tie in Norway.

“He has, a little bit, broken his bones but he has protection and he is fine for tomorrow,” Guardiola told reporters on Monday.

Guardiola dismissed suggestions that City striker Erling Haaland, who has not scored from open play in his last seven matches, could be rested on his return to his homeland.

“He said to me he slept unbelievably, so he is fit,” said Guardiola of Haaland, who has netted 39 times for club and country this season.

City’s winless run in the Premier League extended to four matches after their 2-0 loss at Old Trafford, allowing Arsenal to increase their lead at the top to seven points.

Guardiola has postponed an inquest into the damaging loss to focus on City’s bid to secure a place in the Champions League last 16.

City are currently fourth, with the top eight automatically advancing to the last 16, while the teams finishing ninth to 24th go into the playoff round.