Phil Foden determined to feature for Manchester City despite hand fracture

Manchester City attacker Phil Foden is expected to take part in the match against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday even though he has a fractured hand, as manager Pep Guardiola aims to put the disappointment of the recent Manchester derby behind the team.

Foden had to leave the pitch at the interval during the game versus Manchester United on Saturday following an awkward fall on his arm.

However, the injury to the England international's hand will not prevent him from appearing in Manchester City's Champions League group stage encounter in Norway.

"He has slightly fractured some bones but with protective gear he is okay for the game tomorrow," Guardiola informed the media on Monday.

Guardiola rejected ideas that forward Erling Haaland, who has gone without a goal from open play in his previous seven outings, might sit out the fixture upon returning to his native country.

"He told me he had an amazing sleep, so he is ready," Guardiola commented about Haaland, who has scored 39 goals for his club and national team this campaign.

Manchester City's streak without a Premier League victory has now reached four games following the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford, which has enabled Arsenal to extend their advantage at the summit to seven points.

Guardiola has delayed any analysis of the costly setback to concentrate on Manchester City's effort to clinch a spot in the Champions League knockout stages.

The team sits in fourth place at present, where the first eight teams progress directly to the round of 16, whereas positions nine through 24 enter the playoff stage.

"On the trip here we avoided any mention of United. We might discuss it ahead of the Wolves match but this is a different tournament now," he explained.

"We can aim to finish in the top eight for qualification. That seems sufficient to concentrate on rather than dwelling on previous events.

"I have not gone over the match yet but I recognise that United outperformed us. When an opponent does that you must applaud them, learn from it and progress."

Manchester City has deviated from their usual preparation for the fixture in the Arctic Circle region.

Normally, Guardiola opts to conduct training in Manchester the day before a European away fixture, then travel and handle press commitments later.

On this occasion, owing to the freezing conditions and the fact that Bodo uses an artificial pitch, he decided to utilise the opportunity for a training session at the 8,500-capacity Aspmyra Stadion.

"The players need to observe the ball's behaviour, including short passes and long ones, along those lines," he noted.

"Life never offers an easy path. The faster you adapt to these challenging circumstances, the nearer you get to triumph.

"If I begin complaining about this or similar issues, you cannot attain the successes we have had before."

Guardiola appeared calm as he anticipated viewing the Northern Lights from his accommodation.

"We have large windows and we will check it out. We shall appreciate it," he remarked. 

"Why not? I am deeply engaged in my work but there is no reason not to gaze at the sky and the wonders of the cosmos."