Phil Foden to Play Through Broken Hand as Manchester City Face Bodo/Glimt
Manchester City step into the Arctic Circle with determination, carrying the sting of derby defeat but refusing to let it define them. Pep Guardiola’s side meet Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League group stage, and the spotlight falls on Phil Foden, who will play despite suffering a broken hand.
Foden’s injury came in the Manchester derby, where City fell 2-0 to United at Old Trafford. Forced off at half-time after landing awkwardly, the England international looked set for a spell on the sidelines. Yet Guardiola confirmed his availability, explaining that the midfielder has protective support and is fit enough to feature. For City, his presence is vital as they look to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
The manager also addressed speculation around Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has endured a rare drought, failing to score from open play in his last seven matches. But Guardiola dismissed any suggestion of resting him. Haaland, who has already scored 39 goals across club and country this season, told his coach he feels sharp and rested. Guardiola’s faith in his forward remains unshaken, even as critics question his form.
City’s domestic struggles add weight to this European fixture. Four Premier League games without a win have allowed Arsenal to stretch their lead at the top to seven points. Guardiola, however, insists the focus is firmly on Europe. He acknowledged United’s superiority in the derby but refused to dwell on it, stressing the importance of moving forward and seizing the chance to qualify among the top eight in the Champions League.
Preparation for the trip to Bodø has been anything but routine. Guardiola, who usually keeps training sessions in Manchester before away fixtures, chose to hold practice at Aspmyra Stadion. The artificial pitch and freezing temperatures demanded adaptation, and the coach wanted his players to feel the bounce of the ball and the rhythm of passes in those conditions. His message was clear: success comes to those who adjust quickly, even when the environment is uncomfortable.
Away from tactics and pressure, Guardiola allowed himself a moment of calm. With the Northern Lights expected to illuminate the sky, he admitted he would take time to enjoy the view from his hotel room. “Why not?” he said. “I’m focused on my job, but the beauty of the universe is there to be seen.”
City’s journey north is more than a test of skill. It is a test of resilience, of how a team responds to setbacks and adapts to challenges. Foden’s broken hand, Haaland’s search for goals, and Guardiola’s insistence on perspective all feed into a narrative that stretches beyond the pitch. In Bodø, under the glow of the Arctic night, Manchester City aim to rediscover their rhythm and remind Europe of their ambition.