The mother of all international breaks is here, and if you’re Manchester City, or one of their supporters, you’re feeling very good about where you’re at right now. Enzo Maresca and his men are top of the Premier League table, the only team to take all 15 points from the 15 points available thus far.
Unblemished thus far, they sit three points ahead of second place and defending league champion Arsenal.
And the only team ahead of them in goals scored and goal differential is surprising Brighton & Hove Albion, who have scored 16 goals to City’s 13. The Seagulls are also +11 in goal differential to City’s +8. But again, wins are what counts in the standings.
Additionally, City have full fitness in their squad. We have no injury report or updates to do right now, when it comes to the Cityzens. The only confirmed absentee for their next game, October 11 at Liverpool is Phil Foden.
The English forward will sit out that match, which is the third and final portion of his three match ban, which he was sanctioned with for having gotten red-carded in the Manchester derby.
Foden will next be eligible to feature domestically, the following weekend, at home to Ipswich Town. In between the two matches, City host reigning Champions League holders, Paris Saint-Germain, in that competition.
As that’s a UEFA competition, FA sanctions do not carry over, and thus Foden is eligible.
Squad Injury Updates: September/October International Break
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Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.