Pep Guardiola delivers positive Phil Foden injury update ahead of Arsenal FA Cup tie

The 22-year-old was not named in the matchday squad for City's 3-0 Premier League victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday due to a foot problem.

Speaking after the win, Guardiola stated that he was unsure if Foden would be available to return against Arsenal, telling reporters: "It was an action in Old Trafford, jam with [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka.

"When he falls down he has a problem in his feet. He's struggling so far. Painful, two or three days' rest, gets better, then down. We decide with the doctors to stay to recover well.

"We will see if he arrives to Arsenal, if he's not fit we wait until the next game at Spurs. Otherwise, he doesn't train well, he's a bit uncomfortable. That's why we decide with the doctors to have two or three days off and see if he gets better."

However, Guardiola has since provided a positive update on Foden's condition, with the attacker set to take part in first-team training ahead of the visit of Arsenal.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Spaniard said: "He's getting better. We train this afternoon. Everyone else is good."

Foden has struggled to rediscover his best form for Man City since the World Cup break, scoring only once and completing the full 90 minutes in just two of the last nine matches in all competitions.

The England international will view an FA Cup bout with Arsenal as a good opportunity to build up his fitness and regain his form for the Citizens ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

Man City head into Friday's contest after back-to-back wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves in the Premier League, but they still sit five points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more than the Gunners.

Focus now shifts to the FA Cup for Guardiola, who has talked up Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who spent three-and-a-half years as the 52-year-old's assistant at Man City, ahead of his return to the Etihad Stadium.

"A guy many years here. I don't know my part on him but his influence on me was so important to become a better manager," said Guardiola.

"I said many time to my players and staff. We felt if one team could offer him as manager he would leave. I am not a guy to say stay with me. Everyone has dreams. I know he went to his club, a supporter, he was a captain [at Arsenal]. He loves the club.

"I remember here when we score goals he jumps a lot except one team. He was sitting there. It was Arsenal. I said that guy likes Arsenal. Like here if I'm training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I go. People have to fly when he believes is the best. To players if they are not happy they have to leave, life it too short."

Guardiola added: "I knew it when he was here, his ability. The biggest compliment for Arsenal as well, for in the bad moments they trust him and keep him.

"All the decisions internally I guess was not easy. [They] had to support him, that's why you need time, investment. The results are there. It's a challenge for us to challenge them. This is the deal for this season."

Arsenal head to the Etihad having won 22 of their 27 competitive matches across all competitions this season, but they have lost each of their last five meetings against Man City.