Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence

PEP GUARDIOLA has broken his silence on Phil Foden's lack of minutes this season.

Foden has made just one start this term - Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Watford in the Carabao Cup - which has led fans to spouting conspiracy theories over his absence.

Foden, 24, was last season's PFA Player of the Year and would be expected to be one of the first names on the Man City team sheet.

However, Guardiola has opted to use him sparingly and from the bench since the start of the campaign.

Despite growing discontent with the situation from supporters, Guardiola has remained cool on the tactics and doubled down on his decision not to start Foden in every game.

Speaking after City's 1-1 draw with Newcastle, he said: "The thing is he is playing, but Phil doesn’t need time.

"When he’s clever and fine, it’s not a problem. I know how important Phil is for us, so there’s no doubt about that.

“It doesn’t matter if he starts or comes from the bench. With this amount of games, he will have his minutes, that’s for sure.”

Foden has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football this season.

By comparison, he had played 428 minutes of Prem football by the same point last season.

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Guardiola has made a habit of dropping players from his starting XI despite impressive seasons in the past.

Riyad Mahrez was starved of minutes in his final season at the Etihad before making the jump to Saudi Arabia.

Foden racked up 27 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Man City last season as the Cityzens pipped rivals Arsenal to the Premier League title.

Summer signing Savio appears to be the man to have taken his place in Guardiola's side, registering three assists in four Premier League starts this season.