Phil Foden makes bold Manchester City silverware claim amid Kevin De Bruyne boost

Manchester City star Phil Foden has suggested that the return of Kevin De Bruyne could prove crucial to the club’s silverware hopes.

Pep Guardiola welcomed Kevin De Bruyne back for the first time in almost five months on Sunday, as the 32-year-old returned from a hamstring injury during a 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

The Blues’ victory, which also featured the return of fellow Belgium international Jeremy Doku from the sidelines, set-up a huge fourth round tie between Tottenham and Manchester City later this month.

Phil Foden’s brace helped City to a sweeping victory on Sunday afternoon, with the Englishman opening the scoring from an acute angle just past the half hour mark.

The 23-year-old scored a second with thumping finish in the second-half, taking his goalscoring tally for the season to nine goals.

Foden has stepped up for Manchester City in the absence of De Bruyne during the opening months of the season, with the Sky Blues currently five points off the top of the Premier League table and still competing in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Guardiola’s side are bidding to win the Premier League title for a fourth successive season, as well as looking to retain their Champions League and FA Cup crown, following last season’s treble success.

And Foden believes that the return of De Bruyne could provide a crucial boost to the Blues’ hopes of winning silverware again this season.

“If we’re going to win anything, we need him at it,” said Foden.

“Everyone was buzzing to have him back, he’s one of the best players in the world, no one can do what he does.

“You could see the stadium roaring when he came on and it just shows how big and important he is for us. To have him back on the field, it gives us a lift as well.

“I am delighted for him to come back and hopefully he remains injury free because we need him.”