Phil Foden fit for Manchester City’s clash with Fulham but Manuel Akanji and John Stones in doubt
Manchester City have been handed a boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday, with Phil Foden fit to start. The England international had been suffering with illness, which kept him out of the starting XI against Sheffield United last weekend.
However, assistant manager Juanma Lillo could not confirm whether Manuel Akanji or John Stones will be ready to start. Stones missed the match with Sheffield United due to a muscle problem, while Akanji was ‘lacking match fitness’.
Lillo suggested they will be involved on Saturday, although left an element of doubt over their availability. He said: “Right now, Phil is completely recovered from his illness. Manu’s [Akanji] problem was more for prevention, it wasn’t anything serious. He’s more or less there. John [Stones] is more or less there as well. We’re fine, we’re okay.”
The club have also confirmed the signing of Matheus Nunes from Wolves, but it is unclear whether he will be thrown straight into the squad this weekend. Lillo said: “I still don’t know if he’s going to be available. I know that he’s going to be a City player, but if he’s going to be available, I still don’t know. I don’t have that information. He still won’t be training.”
Lillo is still standing in for Pep Guardiola while he recovers from back surgery he underwent in Spain and the assistant will be on the touchline this weekend.
Manchester City will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the season when they face Fulham on Saturday. The Citizens are currently top of the Premier League table after winning all four of their opening matches. They have scored 14 goals in those four games and conceded just two.
Fulham, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to the season, with one win, one draw and two defeats from their opening four matches. They have scored seven goals and conceded seven, so they will be hoping to get a result against City to kickstart their season.
It remains to be seen who will be available for Manchester City on Saturday, but one thing is for sure – they will be looking to extend their winning run and keep their place at the top of the table.
For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.