Pep Guardiola provides important fitness update on Rodri and Phil Foden ahead of Brentford clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has offered a crucial update on the fitness of both Rodri and Phil Foden ahead of their returns to Premier League duties this weekend.

The Premier League champions return to top-flight action this weekend with a meeting against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, with Thomas Frank’s side being the last club to produce a victory in the division at Manchester City’s home ground.

Things may be slightly more challenging this time around, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking stronger than ever and having produced a 100 per cent winning start to the new season after three matches played so far.

But Guardiola has had his fair share of fitness and injury concerns coming into the clash, with a fresh blow to his options sustained over the course of the international break, with Nathan Ake ruled out until at least the next international break.

Thankfully for Manchester City’s coaching staff, that blow has coincided with the return of two of the club’s most integral stars from the last few seasons.

Speaking ahead of the meeting with Thomas Frank’s side on Saturday afternoon, manager Pep Guardiola was able to offer a firm update on the fitness of two of his most integral stars following several weeks of absence from Manchester City action.

Quizzed on the availability of midfield duo Rodri and Phil Foden, Pep Guardiola told reporters at the City Football Academy on Friday afternoon, “Yeah, they’re good, they’re training, really good.”

The home clash against Brentford marks the beginning of a challenging run of games for Pep Guardiola’s squad, as they welcome two more competitions into their busy Premier League schedule.

Next weeks sees the UEFA Champions League return to Manchester City’s attentions, with Inter Milan visiting the Etihad Stadium on matchday one of the brand new and revamped League Phase of the competition.

The following week will then see Carabao Cup action return to the Etihad, with a clash against Championship outfit Watford kicking off just 49 hours after Manchester City take on Arsenal in a mouthwatering Premier League encounter.