Manchester City fans had their eyes glued to the pitch during the final stages of their recent Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on August 23, 2025. Despite trailing 2-0, there was a surge of hope from the away end as two familiar faces made their season debuts: Phil Foden and Rodri. The pair, both instrumental in City’s recent successes, entered as late substitutes for the final 15 minutes. While the scoreboard didn’t budge, their presence sparked a noticeable shift in energy and performance—a glimmer of what the future holds for Pep Guardiola’s side.
It’s been a curious start to the 2025/26 season for Manchester City. Having edged past Wolves without either Foden or Rodri even making the matchday squad, the team’s subsequent defeat to Tottenham exposed some vulnerabilities. Enter Foden and Rodri, returning from their respective absences and immediately making their mark, even if only for a brief cameo. Neither player picked up a knock during their time on the pitch, which was a welcome relief for Guardiola and the City faithful. After all, injuries can derail even the most meticulously planned campaigns.
“Foden added life to a lacklustre City side while he was on the pitch,” as reported by Esteemed Kompany. The 25-year-old English midfielder, so often the spark in City’s attack, looked eager to shake off the disappointments of the previous season. For Foden, the 2024/25 campaign was a tough one, with form and fitness issues limiting his impact. But with a fresh season underway and an early return to action, he’s clearly hungry to reestablish himself as a match winner—something City will desperately need as they look to regain their dominance at the summit of English football.
Rodri’s return might be even more significant. The Spanish international, who boasts a Ballon d’Or in his trophy cabinet, is widely regarded as the best midfielder in world football when at his peak. City’s midfield, at times, has lacked its usual composure and authority during his absence. According to multiple reports, “Rodri’s fitness after the match was a positive sign for Manchester City.” His ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and drive the team forward is unmatched in the current squad. The fact that he got through his first minutes of the new season unscathed has given Guardiola a timely boost as he plans for the grueling months ahead.
But why were Foden and Rodri absent from the opening win over Wolves? The details remain a bit murky, but both players were omitted from the matchday squad, possibly as a precaution after the rigors of a long summer. Whatever the reason, their absence was keenly felt, and their return—even in a losing effort—was enough to lift spirits around the Etihad. Fans and pundits alike have been quick to speculate about just how much stronger City will look once both stars are fully fit and back in the starting lineup.
Guardiola, never one to mince words about his expectations, is counting on both players to play pivotal roles in the team’s ongoing rebuild. After a season that fell short of the club’s lofty standards, there’s a sense of unfinished business in the blue half of Manchester. “When Foden and Rodri return to the City starting lineup, it will give Pep Guardiola’s side a tremendous boost,” wrote one analyst. The sentiment is echoed throughout the City camp: these two are proven commodities at the highest level, and their reintroduction could be the catalyst for a renewed title charge.
Looking ahead, the big question is when the duo will be ready to start. All signs point to Foden being in line for a starting berth against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, August 31, 2025. He’s looked sharp in training, and his brief but lively outing against Tottenham suggests he’s ready to make an immediate impact. “It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Foden start against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Sunday,” sources close to the club have indicated. For Rodri, the timeline is slightly longer. With an international break looming in early September, Guardiola is expected to ease his midfield maestro back into the starting eleven after the break—a cautious approach that could pay dividends as the season wears on.
City’s supporters will be counting down the days. The team’s performance in the closing stages against Tottenham—while ultimately fruitless in terms of points—offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s possible with Foden and Rodri pulling the strings. The energy, the control, the confidence on the ball—all hallmarks of Guardiola’s best sides—began to reemerge as the pair found their rhythm. It’s no exaggeration to say that their full return could transform City from a team in transition to a genuine juggernaut once again.
Of course, football is never that simple. The Premier League is as competitive as ever, with rivals strengthening across the board and no room for complacency. City’s depth has been tested early, and while the return of two key players is a huge boost, the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges. The upcoming clash with Brighton will be a stern test, and the international break offers a chance for further recovery and tactical fine-tuning.
For Foden, the new season represents an opportunity to silence doubters and recapture the form that once made him the most exciting young talent in England. For Rodri, it’s a chance to reassert his dominance in the heart of midfield and remind everyone why he’s considered the best in the business. Both players have the pedigree, the hunger, and the backing of their manager to make a significant impact.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Manchester City’s evolving lineup. Will Foden hit the ground running against Brighton? Can Rodri pick up where he left off after the international break? One thing’s for sure: with these two back in the mix, City’s prospects look a whole lot brighter. The anticipation is building, and the Etihad faithful can hardly wait to see their stars shine once more.
For now, the story is still being written. The action is ongoing, and the return of Foden and Rodri has injected a fresh sense of optimism into Manchester City’s campaign. The next few weeks could very well define the direction of their season—and with two of their best ready to step up, anything feels possible.
