Phil Foden return date earmarked for major upcoming Manchester City clash in promising recovery update

Pep Guardiola could have Phil Foden available for the seismic Premier League clash with Arsenal, as the Englishman steps up his recovery from surgery.

Foden underwent surgery for appendicitis late last month, withdrawing from the England squad for a European Championship Qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley Stadium to undergo the emergency operation.

The 22 year-old has scored 13 goals for Manchester City this season and was in impressive form prior to the March international break after a difficult period following the FIFA World Cup.

Foden netted twice during an FA Cup tie with Bristol City and scored a sublime solo goal to open the scoring against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.

The City forward has missed Premier League wins over Liverpool and Southampton as well as Tuesday’s emphatic 3-0 first-leg win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Pep Guardiola’s side face Leicester City on Saturday evening in the Premier League before travelling to Bavaria for the second-leg against Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

The Blues also have an Emirates FA Cup semi-final upcoming, with City meeting Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 22nd April.

Foden looks set to miss next weeks clash against the Bundesliga league leaders in Germany but is reportedly targeting a return to action for City’s key Premier League meeting with Arsenal on Wednesday 26th April.

The Sun report that Foden is expected to begin bike and strength work this week, with City looking to ease the England international back ahead of the crunch clash against the Gunners.

City are currently six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race but have played one game less than the North London club.

The Blues could close the gap to three points this weekend with a win over 19th placed Leicester.

The Foxes, who are winless in their past nine matches, appointed Dean Smith as manager this week following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers.