Pep Guardiola expects to Manchester City star midfielder Phil Foden to withdraw from the England squad this week.
Foden has been called up by Three Lions interim head coach Lee Carsley for both of England’s UEFA Nations League games this month as they travel to the Republic of Ireland on September 7 and host Finland at Wembley three days later.
However, Guardiola believes Foden will be withdrawn by the England medical staff, having missed City’s last two games through illness.
All the latest Premier League club news | Premier League team-by-team fixtures for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer charts
“I think he won’t go, but I don’t know. He doesn’t feel well. But it’s the national teams who decide these things,” he said.
Foden does not represent a long-term fitness problem for Guardiola, but the extra rest afforded by international withdrawal will aid his recovery.
His midfield team-mate Rodri, who has yet to play this season, will also remain in Manchester as he serves a one-match international ban with Spain.
Guardiola was speaking after City’s 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham United as they extended their unbeaten Premier League run against the Hammers to 15 games.
City and Liverpool are the only two teams to have won all three of their Premier League games this season as the reigning champions look to gain an edge over their rivals.
