Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been forced to address concerns over a potential injury to star midfielder Phil Foden, following a dismal 2-0 defeat to rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Awkward Fall Sparks Injury Fears
During a forgettable first half for the reigning champions, England international Phil Foden fell awkwardly and used his hand to break his fall. The incident occurred towards the end of the opening period and immediately looked concerning.
When the teams emerged for the second half, Foden was conspicuously absent. He had been substituted, with summer signing Rayan Cherki taking his place. As Foden left the pitch at half-time, he was accompanied by a member of City's medical team, with his arm held in a protected position, fuelling speculation of a significant issue.
Guardiola Responds Amid Broken Hand Speculation
In the aftermath of the painful derby defeat, reports, including one from The Telegraph, suggested a suspicion that Foden may have suffered a broken hand. This would represent a major blow for both club and country.
While there has been no official announcement from Manchester City regarding the extent of the injury, manager Pep Guardiola was compelled to respond to the growing claims post-match. The potential injury rubs salt into the wounds of a torrid afternoon which saw United secure a 2-0 victory over Guardiola's side.
World Cup Implications for England
A serious hand injury would come at a particularly awkward time for the 25-year-old. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon in six months, Foden is in a crucial period to prove his worth to England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Foden, who contributed an assist in England's recent 2-0 win over Serbia, faces stiff competition for the creative midfield role. He is vying with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze for a starting spot as the team's orchestrator.
This season, Foden has enjoyed an improved campaign, registering seven goals and two assists in 20 Premier League appearances for Manchester City. A prolonged absence would be a significant setback for his club ambitions and his international prospects ahead of the global tournament.
