Pep Guardiola gives Phil Foden injury update after Man City star misses Nottingham Forest game

In-form Manchester City star Phil Foden was omitted from their matchday squad against Nottingham Forest after picking up an illness. Foden has been a shining light for the reigning Premier League champions this season with 16 goals and seven assists from 31 games in the competition.

Foden has scored five goals in his last two outings. However, the Stockport-born forward was unavailable for City on Sunday afternoon, despite initially heading to the Midlands for that City Ground showdown.

Explaining his absence, City manager Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports: "He's not ready. He's ill.

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"He didn't feel good, discomfort today and he's back to Manchester. It is what it is. It's a long season - they always happen these kind of things - and another one is going to play."

With all eyes on selection, Guardiola opted for Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish to support Julian Alvarez in attacking quarters at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon. Erling Haaland was deemed fit enough only for a spot on the substitutes bench after recovering from an injury setback.

City headed into the game on the back of watching title rivals Arsenal pick up three points earlier on. Arsenal won 3-2 against north London neighbours Tottenham in a high-octane 90 minutes between the sides.

Before getting down to business, City were four points behind The Gunners - having played two games less - with the title race expected to go down to the wire. Foden started and scored twice for City in their last match away to Brighton on Thursday night, but was ruled out shortly before kick-off for the Forest trip.