Maresca backs Foden to make an impact as City weigh Ipswich start

Phil Foden is back in contention for Manchester City after a three-match suspension, and Enzo Maresca says the midfielder is training well and ready to contribute against Ipswich. Whether he starts on Saturday is still undecided, with City facing a busy run of matches.

“He will score tomorrow!” Maresca joked at his pre-match press conference. He then made clear that Foden’s place in the starting XI has not been settled: “We need to decide if he starts tomorrow or not and if he does, no doubt he will give us something.”

Foden was sent off during City’s 1-0 Premier League win at Manchester United last month and missed the next three games. He returned to the squad for Wednesday’s 4-2 Champions League defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain, but did not leave the bench. Maresca said the suspension and the international break had made for a truncated start to the season for the England international.

The midfielder has not scored a league goal for City since last December. Maresca said the club are working with him day by day and described his training as positive. The manager also pointed to the number of upcoming games as a factor in deciding whether Foden starts against Ipswich.

Maresca also praised 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who came on at half-time against PSG. He said Bouaddi improves the players around him, comparing that quality to the effect top players can have on their teammates. Bouaddi has made one league appearance this season, with no goals or assists.

City host Ipswich on Saturday, giving Maresca the chance to bring Foden back into the team or use him from the bench. His return adds an attacking option after three matches out, while the manager’s comments leave the starting decision open.