Phil Foden: Man City midfielder say struggles down to off-field issues and injury

Foden says he suffered "bad" ligament damage to his ankle when tackled by United midfielder Casemiro during the goalless derby draw on 6 April - he missed the next two games but returned to training "quite early".

Asked to assess his own season, Foden said: "It's been difficult. It took a while to heal before I can push myself back in training, I had to look after it. It's been a frustrating season for me.

"I know if everything was OK, I'd definitely be better on the field. Sometimes things happen and you have to deal with it and move on. Unfortunately I've had a difficult season.

"Now it's just about improving and getting back to my best. I know my standards and what I can reach. I'm looking forward to getting back."

During the game at Old Trafford, Foden was subjected to derogatory chants about his mother, with City manager Pep Guardiola saying United fans showed "a lack of class".

In January, Foden told the Manchester Evening News, external he had felt physically and mentally burned out.

Foden added: "I've had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. It's one of them - sometimes there's things in life that are bigger than football. This season I've struggled a little bit.

"Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before - because I know what I'm capable of doing and the quality I have."

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