Man City player who's 'been in the wilderness' set for key role after Antoine Semenyo news
Phil Foden is set to be given a run in the Man City starting eleven in the absence of the injured Antoine Semenyo, sources have told Football Insider.
Semenyo has been a regular starter for City ever since his arrival from Bournemouth in the last January transfer window.
His form has seen Foden struggle for minutes since the start of 2026, following a clear drop-off in his performances over recent seasons.
City have been rocked this week by news of Semenyo facing a two-month absence due to a knee injury.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Foden will now be drafted into Enzo Maresca's lineup more regularly, but must impress to keep his place in the side.
He has returned to form over the last week, with a strike against Ipswich followed up by a fine hat-trick against AEK Athens in the Champions League.
Phil Foden can capitalise on Antoine Semenyo's injury concerns
Foden has stood himself in great stead for more game time after impressing in the Champions League.
He will still be challenging for places with the likes of Rayan Cherki, Iliman Ndiaye, Jeremy Doku and Allan, but looks set for a run of games in the Citizens team for the first time under Maresca.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Foden has been in the wilderness but he is a class act and now he'll be hoping that he can continue this good run of form. Obviously, he had that red card against Man United in the derby, which set him back, but he's bounced back.
"With Semenyo out injured now as well, he will probably get more minutes in that team, and it'll be up to him to keep his place in the side."
Foden has looked back to his scintillating best in recent City games
The 26-year-old marked his fourth PL start of the campaign against Ipswich with a goal last week, while he created the joint-most chances (3), made six passes into the final third and won 100 per cent of his aerial duels.
He carried on that scoring form with a fantastic three-goal performance in midweek, with his third assist of the season for Rayan Cherki to make it 3-1.
Foden took the joint-most touches (13) in the opposition box, created three chances, made five passes into the final third and won three ground duels.