I know just how important Phil Foden is to Man City, says boss Pep Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has no qualms about easing England international Phil Foden back into action.

Foden has started just one game this season – Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round victory over Watford – and was once again used as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle, with Guardiola nursing him back from a bout of illness.

However, the Spaniard is confident he will get what he needs from the 24-year-old whether he is in the starting line-up or not.

Guardiola said: “The thing is he is playing, but Phil doesn’t need time. When he’s clever and fine, it’s not a problem. I know how important Phil is for us, so there’s no doubt about that.

“It doesn’t matter if he starts or comes from the bench. With this amount of games, he will have his minutes, that’s for sure.”

Foden made an impact from the bench at St James’ Park, testing Nick Pope himself before setting up Bernardo Silva to force an even better save as the visitors pushed for a late winner after Anthony Gordon’s penalty had cancelled out Josko Gvardiol’s opener.

The game was City’s first in the league since Rodri’s anterior cruciate ligament injury which will cost them the services of the key midfielder for the remainder of the campaign.

That @JackGrealish x Gvardiol link up!