Phil Foden’s absence from Manchester City’s lineup for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Ipswich Town was a significant surprise. The 24-year-old academy product, who had been a key part of City’s squad, was notably missing from the roster due to an illness, leaving him out of the forty players listed across both matchday teams.
Foden’s absence was particularly striking given his recent involvement in the squad. Just a week prior, he had come off the bench in the second half against Chelsea, contributing to City’s efforts in that match.
However, his illness meant that he was unable to participate in this week’s game, depriving City of one of their most creative players.
The match against Ipswich Town was notable for another reason as well—it marked the first-ever visit of the Tractor Boys to the Etihad Stadium for a 3pm kickoff. The Ipswich lineup featured former City players Arijanet Muric and Liam Delap, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Despite Foden’s absence, Pep Guardiola’s squad still boasted significant depth. Ilkay Gundogan, who had recently returned to City after a stint with Barcelona, was included among the substitutes.
Gundogan’s inclusion was a notable decision by Guardiola, given that the German midfielder had not started in the previous match at Stamford Bridge but had been brought on later in the game.
Another player who made the bench was Issa Kabore, who, like Foden, had been part of the Community Shield matchday squad. Kabore’s presence among the substitutes underscored the depth and versatility of Guardiola’s squad, even in the face of key absences.
Guardiola opted to retain the same starting XI that had begun the match against Chelsea, demonstrating his confidence in the lineup that had performed well the previous week. Ederson started in goal, with a back four consisting of Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol.
The consistency in the defensive lineup was a testament to the trust Guardiola placed in these players, particularly in the context of Foden’s absence.
Interestingly, Rodri, who had been a mainstay in City’s midfield, was dropped from the lineup due to an injury. This led to Mateo Kovacic continuing in the holding midfield role, with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva retaining their positions in central midfield.
The injury to Rodri meant that City had to adjust their midfield setup, but the inclusion of experienced players like Kovacic, De Bruyne, and Silva ensured that the team maintained its quality and balance in the middle of the park.
Overall, while Foden’s absence was a blow to Manchester City’s attacking options, the team’s depth and Guardiola’s strategic choices allowed them to navigate the challenge. The match against Ipswich was another test of City’s squad depth and adaptability, as they continued their Premier League campaign with high expectations despite the absence of key players like Foden and Rodri.
