'I need a few weeks off' - Phil Foden admits he wants to SKIP England duty ahead of Club World Cup as Man City star opens up on mental struggles

Foden has endured a rough campaign that saw City fail to win a trophy as they disappointed in the Premier League and Champions League before losing in the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace last week. The 24-year-old has faced frequent criticism for his performances, resulting in him often being dropped to the bench.

Foden will likely make his 45th and final appearance of the season when City visit Fulham in the league on Sunday, but he will not get much of a summer break with the Club World Cup kicking off on June 14. Before then, England will play friendlies against Andorra and Senegal on June 7 and June 10, respectively, and Foden has admitted he would rather rest up than be part of Thomas Tuchel's plans.

"I just need a few weeks off it without playing football and obviously I can't get it at the moment," Foden told the Daily Mail. "It's a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner. It's something we have to speak with the club and national team to see maybe if it's better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent to back how I want it. I just don't know at the moment, it's a conversation to be had and we'll see what happens."

The City star went on to discuss the mental toll this season has had on him, revealing he is still struggling with a slight injury he sustained in April. He added: "The ankle has taken time to heal. I somehow managed to play on at United. That's the kind of person I am, I try to play on with anything. I remember how much pain I felt when the adrenaline died down. A lot of people don't know what football players have to go through and play with. I've had a lot of pain and playing with it in the last couple of months.

"Maybe I came back too early. But it's what I'm like. I'm feeling a lot better now and can really push on with it. It's been a frustrating season for me. I've had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. Sometimes there are things in life that are bigger than football. I've struggled a little bit. Hopefully next year I can get my head mentally right and get back to where I left off the season before because I know what I'm capable of doing and the quality I have."

Foden will hope England coach Tuchel leaves him out of the squad for the upcoming games to give him a chance of recovering ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States.