Phil Foden: The Manchester City midfielder is a ‘victim’ of the tournament schedule after missing out on a place in England.

Manchester City Midfielder Phil Foden is a “victim” of football’s packed schedule after being left out of England’s World Cup squad, according to the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Foden failed to find a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the North American tournament following City’s disappointing season.

The 25-year-old was among a number of leading players discussed at a meeting held by FIFPro, the international body representing professional footballers.

PFA chief executive Mahta Molango, who serves on the FIFPro board, said there were reasons Foden had not reached the heights of previous seasons.

Foden picked up a number of personal accolades at the end of the 2023-24 campaign – including being named PFA Player of the Year.

“The number of games he’s been available for has decreased and when he’s available, he’s not the Phil Foden version we saw two years ago,” Molango said.

“Unfortunately, he is one of the victims of this crazy calendar that only makes sense to those who pursue commercial profit at the expense of viewing quality and player protection, who should be football’s heritage.

“If someone like Phil isn’t on the pitch, it’s a shame because we love players who make us dream and who have pure talent.”

FIFPro players cannot endure “peak seasons” year after year without eventually suffering an injury or a decline in performance.

It refers to the information collected by the organization ArsenalEngland midfielder Declan Rice and LiverpoolDutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk could be injured or sidelined for next season due to the workload.

Van Dijk played in the 38. LiverpoolPremier League games Rice in 36 b Arsenal.

Both are set to take part in the expanded 48-team World Cup, where matches will be played at high temperatures.

Molango says he fears the World Cup will simply be “survival of the fittest”.

He added: “There is a big chance that this will happen because some of the most talented players in the big clubs will easily reach the highest level.

“You can’t go into a tournament having already played 60 or so games.”