COMMENTARY
While losing Kevin De Bruyne not once but twice this season to injury will have been a big blow to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, there has been one redeeming feature of the Belgian’s absence – something which has led to many fans all calling for the same thing on social media.
That comes in the shape of Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, who has been afforded much more playing time courtesy of his teammate’s injury blows and has established himself as a mainstay among the City side.
The 24-year-old has five goals and four assists to his name and will have impressed many of the supporters watching on with his clever play, using his exceptional vision and quality passing skills to put the opposition to the sword on numerous occasions.
As such, it will be a big blow to see him sit out against West Ham this weekend – but that is exactly what will happen as Pep Guardiola confirms his team news.
He Told the club’s official Twitter account: “Bernardo Silva cannot play this weekend. The injury is not a big one but he cannot play this weekend. Benjamin Mendy will be out for 10-12 weeks.”
PEP: @BernardoCSilva cannot play this weekend. The injury is not a big one but he cannot play this weekend. @benmendy23 will be out for 10-12 weeks. #WHUMCI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 23, 2018
The news had many Manchester City fans all saying the same thing on Twitter – a starting XI role for young maestro Phil Foden, who has 10 appearances this season but just three starts.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
Probably. Want to see Foden in the starting XI though.
— r (@fodentastic) November 23, 2018
Sane, kun and sterling front three. Foden should replace bernardo
— Rolls Royce??????? (@eltie_joao) November 23, 2018
Give @PhilFoden a game from the start.
— Dave ? (@TheDaveCalaz) November 23, 2018
Get Foden in that starting XI tomorrow
— Demby (@dembyy) November 23, 2018
I hope Foden starts tomorrow
— áIex (@mcfc_aIex) November 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/LeorioSane/status/1065964914500603904
Also, with Bernardo out and Kevin out, this is the perfect chance to start Foden. He's fit, he was great for the U21s, other playmakers are injured – you have to worry for his future if Pep can't give him this game. No point in him playing 4 CC games a season :-/
— Liz Tray (@LizTray) November 23, 2018
Bernardo and KDB out. Would love to see Foden get a start against West Ham.
— KY?E (@kyle_dimond) November 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/Wolf_Stack/status/1065962642769104896