On Tuesday, Phil Foden participated in all of Manchester City's training sessions in an effort to recover from appendix surgery earlier than expected.
After needing an urgent appendectomy, the Englishman was forced to miss the March international break and was initially projected to be out of action for about four weeks, most possibly the entire month of April.
However, Foden returned to practice on Tuesday in preparation for the travel to Germany for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich. He didn't play in the decisive first leg, which ended in a 3-0 triumph, but he could play on Wednesday.
Foden had been the only City player away in recent weeks, but with his return, manager Pep Guardiola has a full roster from which to pick as he gets ready for the finish of the season, when the Citizens will be vying for three trophies.
If all goes as planned, Foden should be available for the pivotal Premier League leaders Arsenal match on April 26.
Although City awaited the arrival of Erling Haaland last season, Foden was a regular starter under Guardiola, frequently lining up as a false-nine striker.
Opportunities have been few for Foden this season since Jack Grealish has thrived out on the left wing and Haaland has assumed the job up top. Although he occasionally played for the team after losing his spot in the starting lineup in October, he did not become a regular until February.
He was able to make four consecutive Premier League games, starting on the right and contributing with two goals and an assist, but appendicitis abruptly put a halt to his progress.
Guardiola's new 3-2-4-1 formation still appears to leave that right wing position out for grabs. Even though Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez, and Bernardo Silva all been used there, there still seems to be room for Foden to fight his way back into the starting lineup if he can regain his best form.
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