Phil Foden praises influence of two key Man City players after five trophies in 2023

Phil Foden admitted he was panicking when he saw Rodri go down injured during Friday's Club World Cup final triumph against Fluminense but he's hopeful the midfielder will be fit to resume Premier League duty after Christmas.

The Spaniard was the victim of a poor tackle from Aleksander during Manchester City's 4-0 win success against the champions of South America. He attempted to carry on after receiving treatment, but when Foden scored the third Rodri went down for more treatment and was swiftly withdrawn.

He was fit enough to take to the podium to collect the Golden Ball honour for the best player at the tournament and he took a full part in City's celebrations on the pitch at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but the sight of him receiving treatment for a knee injury was enough to unnerve City supporters.

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Pep Guardiola's side have lost all four domestic games that Rodri has been unavailable for this season, so his absence against Everton at Goodison Park would be a substantial blow, although Foden is hoping his teammate will be fine.

"I was panicking. I looked at him and thought ‘come on mate, I’m sure you’re not injured’," the City midfielder said.

"He’s one of the best players I've played with, the way he just handles pressure and runs midfields on his own. So when he went down it was a bit nerve-wracking. But I think he's okay."

City cruised to a fifth title in 2023 in Saudi Arabia, beating Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 in the semi-final and then Fluminense 4-0 in the final.

But they return to domestic action on a run of just one