Pep Guardiola is ready unleash Phil Foden on Lyon as Manchester City look to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages.
With Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan all out of Tuesday’s clash, Foden is set to be handed a rare start.
And Guardiola is adamant the 18-year-old – who is set to sign a new six-year contract – is ready to live up to his status as one of the most exciting prospects in English football.
The City manager said: “Phil is now stronger and able to play with us without a doubt. He plays so aggressive with the ball and without he is so intense.
“Every time he plays he is so good. That’s why he is ready. He is part of the squad.”
De Bruyne is recovering from his latest knee ligament injury, while Bernardo is still out with a muscular problem.
Gundogan played against West Ham on Saturday, but damaged his foot in that 4-0 win at the London Stadium, while Gabriel Jesus has an adductor injury.
Guardiola added: “I prefer to have all the squad to choose from, but it is what it is.
“We have to adapt with the guys that are here and we will try to do a good job and the others who aren’t here will do their best to recover.”
Victory for City on Tuesday will guarantee qualification to the knockout stages as group winners, but they need only a point to ensure safe passage to the last 16.
City were shocked by Lyon in the opening group game, losing 2-1 at the Etihad, with Guardiola watching on from the stands as he served a touchline ban.
“Tomorrow is a big chance to be in Europe in February,” said the Catalan. “We lost one game and bounced back. We reacted so well, but the job is not over.
“We have to win one more and hopefully, we can close the group stage.
“In the first half, they were better. In the second half, we improved but it wasn’t enough.
“When you lose the first game at home, the group stage becomes so tough. We did our job winning the next three and we are lucky that opponents didn’t win.”
