Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku all remain unavailable for Saturday’s home Premier League game against Southampton.
City only named 15 outfield players in the squad against Sparta Prague in midweek and Guardiola could not provide updates on when any of the four will return.
Guardiola was pleased to see attacking midfielder Foden back on the scoresheet against the Czech side and says the England man will soon be back to his best.
Guardiola said: “I’m not concerned at all about how far it is (a return to top form) because I know when he is fine, he will get it. He’s a natural talent, he will get it.
“The first goal against Sparta Prague, finally with his incredible talent, he solved the game for himself.
“But in a career when you have many, many years, and Phil already has many years, you have these bumps, ups and downs a little bit.
“They are human beings. Be patient. Let them feel that this type of player in these types of moments, that we are there and everything is going well.
“Sooner or later. I’m happy to hear that he feels good because in the end it depends on himself.”
City are big favourites to secure a seventh victory in nine league games on against winless Southampton, who are second bottom in the table.
Saints boss Russell Martin, whose future has come under the spotlight, has insisted he will not be changing his football methodology after his side’s poor start and Guardiola was in full support.
Guardiola added: “He will have success. When this happens, you always have success sooner or later. I’m not talking about whether it’s four at the back or five at the back, that’s not the point.
“But if you start to change your thoughts for the results, the players will notice. They will know you’re not a big believer. When this happens, sooner or later bad results are coming.”
