Phil Foden receives public Ronald Araujo apology for disgraceful ankle challenge

Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo has apologised to Phil Foden after a horror challenge on the Englishman’s ankle in a 1-1 draw at Wembley this week.

Foden received treatment in the aftermath of the horror tackle and subsequently went off for Cole Palmer, with huge doubt over the 25-year-old’s availability for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendly against Japan.

Manchester City have already recalled John Stones back to the north-west after the 31-year-old picked up a calf injury on international duty – and Foden could also be heading home.

The forward left Wembley limping on Friday night and England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed his frustration over Araujo’s challenge, with the Barcelona star luckily escaping what would have been a red card punishment in the Premier League .

Phil Foden substituted with injury after horror tackle in England draw with Uruguay

Araujo has since revealed that he met Foden behind the scenes in the English capital after the 1-1 draw and offered an in-person apology to the attacker.

“It was a hard challenge but obviously, I went for the ball without any ill intention,” the defender said, as quoted by El Espectador Deportes . “After the match, I spoke to Phil Foden ; I sent him a message. He told me he was fine – that it’s just part of the game.

“People make a big deal out of things, but it’s clear I was going for the ball. Everyone who knows me knows I don’t have bad intentions. If you freeze play, it looks like a very hard challenge but my intention was to go for the ball.

“Plus, the referee, VAR was there, so I think he judged I was going for the ball. But the important thing is I spoke with him (Foden) – he’s okay and he told me it was no big deal, that it’s soccer.”

The full extent of Foden’s injury remains to be seen and Manchester City are expected to recall the forward to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment to ascertain the damage done as a result of Araujo’s tackle.

City won their first trophy in two seasons by toppling Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley last week – and Pep Guardiola and his players will return to action against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium on April 4.

Phil Foden considering Manchester City exit amid frustrations over bit-part role

Guardiola will be absent from the touchline against Arne Slot’s side as he serves the second of his two-game touchline ban after picking up a sixth domestic yellow card of the campaign against Newcastle United earlier this month.

Foden will be desperate to avoid a prolonged spell on the sidelines after a dormant start to 2026 that has seen him struggle for minutes at club level and clouded doubt over his contract situation at the Etihad Stadium.